Understanding Advance Directives
Advance directives are legal documents that communicate your healthcare preferences when you cannot speak for yourself. These documents ensure your medical wishes are respected even if you are incapacitated. Many seniors postpone creating them because discussing end-of-life care feels uncomfortable. Having these documents protects your autonomy.
预先指示是在你无法自己表达意愿时传达医疗偏好的法律文件。这些文件确保即使在失去行为能力时你的医疗意愿也得到尊重。许多老年人推迟创建因为它们让人感到不适。拥有这些文件保护你的自主权。
A living will specifies the medical treatments you would or would not want to receive. This includes preferences about life support artificial nutrition and resuscitation. Be as specific as possible about your wishes. Discuss your preferences with your doctor to ensure they are medically appropriate and clearly documented.
生前预嘱指定你希望或不希望接受的医疗治疗。这包括关于生命维持、人工营养和复苏的偏好。尽可能具体地说明你的意愿。与医生讨论你的偏好以确保它们在医学上合适并清楚记录。
A healthcare proxy appoints someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Choose someone who understands your values and will advocate for your wishes. Discuss your healthcare preferences thoroughly with your proxy. They need to make decisions aligned with your values when you cannot.
医疗代理人指定你信任的人代表你做出医疗决定。选择理解你的价值观并会维护你意愿的人。与代理人彻底讨论你的医疗偏好。当你无法做决定时他们需要做出符合你价值观的决定。
Give copies of your advance directives to your healthcare proxy your doctor and your local hospital. Review and update them periodically especially after major health changes. Discuss your wishes with family members so everyone understands and respects your choices.
将预先指示的副本交给你的医疗代理人、医生和当地医院。定期审查和更新，特别是在重大健康变化后。与家人讨论你的意愿，以便每个人理解并尊重你的选择。
