What is an Advance Directive?
An “Advance Directive” is a way for you to share your wishes for what medical treatment you do or don’t want with your loved ones and your health care team. It’s called an “advance directive” because it lets you share your wishes in advance of a health crisis.
Rather than make a list of types of care that you do or don’t want, an Advance Directive is based on your values. This form lets you do two things:
- Name people to make health care choices for you
- Describe how you want to be treated
The VA has an advance directive form that your care team can give you.