The last few years have seen a change in physical treatment and health care options. The patient can now have a certain amount of say in what type treatment they wish to receive should they become unable to communicate. Advanced directives can be placed in a patient's medical record that will protect that patient from certain conditions.



Some people have a terminal condition that will eventually lead to their death. With this knowledge the patient has options as to what kind of physical treatment and health care they wish to receive. Medical professionals are required to sustain life for as long as possible. This means that should you become incapacitated, any medical personnel that you come in contact with will be obligated to use whatever means available to keep you alive. For some this may mean extended life on a life support system. Advanced directives, also known as a living will, can spell out your wishes and allow the medical personnel to honor them.

What Questions Need To Be Considered?

If your medical condition is terminal you might want to sign an order known as a DNA (do not resuscitate). This means that medical personnel can withhold physical treatment and health care in the event of cardiac arrest. Scared and distressed family members might call emergency personnel to the home if this event occurs. In the absence of a signed DNA order, this personnel must attempt to revive or restore life with all means available to them. There is the possibility that this could extend the suffering the patient experiences.

Terminal illness could also require the patient to receive additional physical treatment and health care in the form of forced nutrition. While the patient is still of sound mind they have the right to refuse this type treatment. Many patients wish to allow the natural process to take place. This would mean that when the patient is no longer able to eat naturally they be allowed to refuse forced nutrition.

Everybody also has the right to appoint another person to determine what physical treatment and health care they should receive in the event they become incapacitated. This allows someone else to make decisions for you in the event you cannot. This should be in writing and placed in with your medical records as well as a copy being available for emergencies. It is important for you to communicate your wishes to the appointed person. It is also very important for you to completely trust that person to carry out your wishes since you are literally placing your life in their hands.