What are advance directives primarily used for?

Advance directives are primarily used to inform health care providers about a person’s medical treatment desires. These documents are vital in ensuring that individuals have a say in their health care decisions, particularly in situations where they may be unable to communicate their preferences. This allows for respect of personal values and wishes regarding medical care, such as life-sustaining treatments, palliative care options, and end-of-life decisions.

Advance directives can include living wills and durable power of attorney for health care, which together provide clear guidance to medical professionals on how to proceed in alignment with the patient’s wishes. This is especially crucial in emergencies or severe medical scenarios where the individual cannot express their preferences.

The other options involve important aspects of legal planning but do not encompass the primary function of advance directives. Establishing a financial estate plan, appointing a legal guardian for minors, and creating a will for personal belongings are separate components of legal and estate planning that do not address the specific intentions related to medical decisions and healthcare treatment preferences.