You never know when a medical emergency will occur, and you can’t
predict whether you will be able to avoid serious, chronic illness later
in life. That’s why planning for your future is so important. Whether
you are just starting out in life, gearing up for retirement or dealing
with a recent diagnosis, having an advance care plan gives you the comfort
of knowing that you or someone you trust can make the right healthcare
decisions when the time comes.
Advance care planning, which can begin as early as age 18, allows you to
determine the medical or end-of-life care you would like to receive in
the event of an emergency or terminal illness. It also lets you decide
who will speak for you if you’re unable to voice your wishes.
Advance care planning involves filling out forms called advance directives, sometimes called healthcare directives. These are legal documents that allow you to write out decisions you make about medical treatments and name a healthcare agent who can communicate those decisions when you cannot.
In Georgia, you can fill out the Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care. This document covers a number of topics, including:
If you do not want to fill out a Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care, there are other documents that allow you to designate a healthcare agent. You can also create a separate living will. Living wills generally apply to end-of-life medical care only.
If you become unable to make or communicate your own healthcare decisions and do not have a valid Advance Directive for Health Care or Healthcare Agent, Georgia law provides an order of priority for who may make medical decisions on your behalf.
1. Court-Appointed Guardian
A guardian who has been legally appointed by the court and granted authority
to make healthcare decisions has the highest priority.
2. Spouse
Your husband or wife is generally the next person authorized to make healthcare
decisions for you.
3. Adult Children
Your adult children may serve as your decision-makers. When there is more
than one adult child, they are generally expected to reach a consensus
regarding your care.
4. Parents
If no spouse or adult children are available, either parent may make healthcare
decisions on your behalf.
5. Adult Siblings
Your adult brothers or sisters may serve as your surrogate decision-makers
if no higher-priority individual is available.
6. Adult Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, or Uncles
An adult niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle who is related to you may serve
as your decision-maker when no one with higher priority is available.
7. Adult Friend
An adult friend may make healthcare decisions if they can demonstrate that
they have maintained a close personal relationship with you and are familiar
with your values and wishes.
Our patient advocates are experienced in helping patients and families plan for the future. We offer consultations and educational resources and can help you fill out the legal documents you need. You don’t have to be a patient at our facilities to take advantage of our planning services. Anyone within our community is welcome to call and discuss advance directives and care plans.
To speak with a representative about recording your wishes, call 229.228.8224 today and we will help you start the process.
To obtain a free planning guide please contact one of our patient representatives at 229.228.8086.
