VT Advance Directive for Health Care: The Ultimate Guide

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to make decisions about your health care in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes. They can be used to specify your preferences for life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and end-of-life care.

Vermont's Advance Directive for Health Care (ADH) is a specific type of advance directive that is recognized by law in the state of Vermont. It is a two-page document that includes the following sections:

• Part 1: Statement of Instructions This section allows you to specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and end-of-life care.
• Part 2: Appointment of Health Care Agent This section allows you to appoint a health care agent to make decisions about your health care if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes.

Who Should Complete a VT Advance Directive for Health Care?

Everyone over the age of 18 should complete an ADH. This is especially important if you have any serious health conditions or if you are concerned about the possibility of becoming incapacitated in the future.

How to Complete a VT Advance Directive for Health Care

You can complete an ADH on your own or with the help of an attorney. If you decide to complete it on your own, you can download the form from the Vermont Department of Health website. Once you have completed the form, you should sign it in the presence of two witnesses.

What Happens After I Complete an ADH?

Once you have completed an ADH, you should give copies to your doctor, your health care agent, and your family members. You should also keep a copy for your own records.

Can I Change My ADH?

You can change your ADH at any time. If you want to make changes, you should complete a new ADH and give copies to the same people who have copies of your original ADH.

What if I Don't Have an ADH?

If you don't have an ADH, your doctor will make decisions about your health care based on their medical judgment and your known wishes. This could mean that you receive treatment that you would not have wanted or that you are denied treatment that you would have wanted.

Benefits of Completing an ADH

There are many benefits to completing an ADH. These benefits include:

• Peace of mind. Knowing that your wishes will be respected can give you peace of mind.
• Control over your health care. An ADH allows you to make decisions about your health care even if you are unable to communicate your wishes.
• Avoidance of conflict. An ADH can help to avoid conflict between your family members and your health care providers about your care.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When completing an ADH, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Not being specific. Your instructions should be as specific as possible so that there is no doubt about your wishes.
• Using vague language. Avoid using vague language such as "I want to be kept alive" or "I don't want to suffer." Instead, be specific about the types of treatment you want or don't want.
• Not appointing a health care agent. If you do not appoint a health care agent, your doctor will make decisions about your health care based on their medical judgment and your known wishes. This could mean that you receive treatment that you would not have wanted or that you are denied treatment that you would have wanted.

Tips for Completing an ADH

Here are some tips for completing an ADH:

• Take your time. Don't rush through the process. Take your time to read and understand the document.
• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you to understand your options and make decisions about your care.
• Talk to your family and friends. Talk to your family and friends about your wishes. This can help to ensure that your wishes are respected.
• Get legal advice. If you have any questions about the ADH or the law, you should consult with an attorney.