An advance directive is a general term for any document in which you provide instructions about your healthcare wishes or appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you should you become unable to make decisions for yourself in the future. They are signed in "advance" and shared with your healthcare representative, loved ones, and key healthcare providers to inform them of your wishes concerning medical treatment should you become unable to speak for yourself. These documents and preferences may be changed or cancelled at any time either verbally or in writing.

There are many things in life that are beyond our control. Advance directives give you a way to control something that is very important – how you are treated if you should become seriously ill. After an accident or during a serious illness you may become unconscious, delusional, or unable to communicate your wishes regarding medical treatment. Advance directives help you to communicate with family, friends, and doctors about how you want to be treated if you become seriously ill. Advance directives protect your family members because they won’t have to guess what you want and make hard decisions without knowing your wishes. Advance directives help you know what your loved ones want so you can be there for them when they need you most. Studies show that families who engage in the advance care planning process have less stress, confusion, and complicated guilt about their decisions and the loss of their loved ones.

Yes. In Indiana advance directives must be signed by two witnesses OR signed by a notary.  However, witnessing and notarizing requirements vary from state to state.  States typically require witnessing by two adults and they may limit who may witness.  Some states disqualify persons as witnesses who are related to you, who will inherit from you, or for whom you are financially responsible.  Because of state-to-state differences, it is a good idea to have your advance directive both witnessed AND notarized if you travel frequently or reside in multiple states.

Click here for a printable checklist.  Make copies of your advance directive.  Put the original in safe place.  Keep a copy in an accessible, known location, like inside the Vital Medical Information File on your refrigerator.   Provide copies to your healthcare representative and other appropriate individuals (i.e., physicians, loved ones, clergy, attorney, etc.).  Discuss the details of your advance directive with these individuals.  Ask your physician to make it part of your permanent medical record.  Whenever you are hospitalized or go on a trip, take a copy with you.  Put a card in your wallet that states that you have an advance directive, identifies the person you have named as your healthcare representative, and provides his/her contact information. 

In Putnam County, Indiana, the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association provides free information and resources about advance care planning.  For individualized assistance, you can contact the Association at either 765.301.7614 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Many resources are provided at www.pchpca.org.  Most physicians, hospitals, and senior living facilities can provide you with forms and assistance or refer you to a source.  Most attorneys will provide assistance for a fee but some may offer pro bono services.