What is an advance directive and why is it important in long-term care?

• A. A financial power of attorney
• B. A summary of medical visits
• C. A written document outlining treatment preferences for times when the person cannot decide (Living Will, health care proxy, or durable power of attorney)
• D. A certificate of medical eligibility

Answer: (C)

An advance directive is a written plan that says what medical treatments you would want or not want if you become unable to make decisions yourself. It often includes a living will and designations like a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, which name someone you trust to make medical choices for you when you can’t.

In long-term care, this matters because residents may gradually lose decision-making capacity due to illness, dementia, or injury. Having an advance directive ensures that their goals and values guide care, even when they can’t voice them. It helps clinicians and family members know which treatments you want, such as whether you want life-sustaining measures or comfort-focused care, and it legally authorizes the person you’ve chosen to make decisions on your behalf. This reduces confusion, aligns care with the resident’s wishes, and can ease stress for loved ones during difficult moments.

Other options aren’t about medical decision-making: a financial power of attorney handles finances, a summary of medical visits is just a record, and a certificate of medical eligibility relates to eligibility for services, not treatment decisions.