When should I prepare my AD?

Let’s assume that you have decided to follow our recommendation and select the Health Care Surrogate form as your type of Advance Directive (AD). One of the things you must do is decide who your surrogate decision maker will be.

It is very important to pick a person to be your surrogate who knows your wishes and who also will be able to clearly express your wishes to your physician. Traditionally, most people depend upon their loved ones to make their health care decisions when they are unable to speak for themselves. In general, this is a good idea. However, there can be some problems that are unexpected. For example, just because you love someone and are loved by them does not mean they automatically know, understand, or support your preferences.

In an AD, you want to be as certain as possible that the person you select as your decision maker knows and has a clear understanding of what your treatment preferences are and will represent your preferences when you can no longer speak for yourself. The best way to learn this information is to have a conversation with the person(s) you most want to be your decision maker (your surrogate). Ask yourself these questions:

• Does this person understand what my treatment preferences are?
• Are my treatment preferences the same ones this person would want for me, or are they different from mine?
• If my preferences for myself are different from what this person wants for me, will this person be able to honor my wishes above his or her wishes for me?
• Does this person have the personal strength to represent my wishes if someone disagrees with him or her or is feeling sad about my situation?
• Except for an unforeseen tragedy, will this person likely outlive me and be available to serve as my decision maker (surrogate)?
• Is this person willing to accept the responsibility of being my surrogate?

If your conversation with the person you want to be your decision maker results in positive answers to each of the questions above, then you have probably found a reliable surrogate. If not, you would be wise to reconsider your choice.