Advanced Directives
Reid Health helps you understand advanced directives, living wills, and healthcare power of attorney. Plan ahead with resources and support for every stage of life.
Advanced directives at Reid Health
Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. Advanced directives are legal documents that outline your healthcare wishes if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. They include tools like a living will and a healthcare power of attorney.
Advanced directives are not just for older adults or people with chronic conditions. In fact, the best time to make these decisions is when you’re healthy and able to clearly share your values and preferences.
What are advanced directives?
Advanced directives are written instructions about your medical care. They typically include:
- A living will – This states your wishes about life-sustaining treatments if you’re unable to communicate yourself. (This is different from a traditional will, which deals with property and finances.)
- A healthcare power of attorney – This appoints someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you can’t make them yourself.
Together, these documents help ensure your care matches your values and relieves your loved ones from having to make difficult choices alone.
Why are advanced directives important?
- Peace of mind: You remain in control of your healthcare decisions.
- Support for loved ones: Your family won’t have to guess your wishes.
- Preparedness at any age: Accidents or unexpected illnesses can happen to anyone. Having a plan in place makes all the difference.
Start the conversation
Talking about healthcare decisions can feel difficult, but starting early helps normalize the discussion. We partner with The Conversation Project, a national movement that provides free checklists, workbooks, and resources to guide these conversations.
You can:
- Review conversation guides with your loved ones.
- Write down your values, goals, and preferences for care.
- Meet with a healthcare professional to finalize your advanced directives.
- Share copies with your family and your care team.
- We can also provide resources and support to help you complete these important documents.
Conversation resources
Planning for future care is easier when you have the right tools. In partnership with The Conversation Project, we provide checklists, workbooks, and guides to help you start meaningful discussions with your loved ones.
These resources are designed to make talking about advanced directives simple, supportive, and stress-free, whether you’re just beginning the conversation or ready to complete your documents.
Conversation toolkit
Your conversation starter kit
Deciding Together checklist
View this checklist to ensure your conversation includes these key topics.
Additional information
View the attached FAQs to get answers to top questions surrounding advanced directives.
Appointment of Health Care Representative (Indiana)
Access the Indiana healthcare representative form to declare your wishes for who should make your healthcare decisions if you’re unable to.
Indiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) form
The POST form helps ensure your wishes for care are honored in any medical setting, hospital, nursing facility, or even at home, without confusion or delay. It gives both you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing your preferences will be respected.