Advance Directives: Planning for the Future

If your loved one were to become seriously ill, what type of medical treatment would he prefer? Would he want to be resuscitated after having a heart attack? Would he wish to be kept alive on a breathing machine under any circumstances? It’s important for your loved one to make his health care wishes known, says Elinor Ginzler, caregiving expert, because there may come a time when he can no longer make or communicate treatment decisions. By creating a living will and a health care power of attorney, he can express his preferences and also designate someone to make decisions for him should he become incapacitated.