What is an advance directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacitation. This essential tool serves to ensure that healthcare providers and family members are aware of the person's desires regarding treatment options—such as the use of life-sustaining measures, resuscitation efforts, and preferences for palliative care. By clearly articulating these preferences, advance directives can help prevent distress or conflict among family members and healthcare providers during critical moments when decisions need to be made regarding a patient's care.

The other options do not fit the definition of an advance directive. Financial decisions, plans for exercise and diet, and emotional support guides do not pertain to medical treatment preferences and therefore cannot fulfill the role that an advance directive does in healthcare planning.