What are advanced directives designed to do?

Advanced directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical care in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. By establishing these directives, individuals can specify the types of medical treatments they wish to receive or avoid, such as life-sustaining measures or palliative care. This ensures that their healthcare preferences are respected and followed, aligning medical decisions with their values and wishes.

The primary purpose of advanced directives is to guide healthcare providers and family members in making difficult decisions during critical moments, ensuring that the individual's autonomy is honored even when they cannot vocalize their desires. This aspect of advanced directives addresses the person’s rights and wishes regarding their own medical treatment, which is crucial in gerontology and end-of-life care discussions.