What does the term "Advance Directives" primarily encompass?

The term "Advance Directives" primarily encompasses legal documents guiding care when incapacitated. This includes a variety of documents that ensure a person's healthcare preferences are known and respected in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. Common forms of advance directives include living wills, which specify an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment, and durable powers of attorney for healthcare, which allow individuals to designate someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

This comprehensive nature of advance directives is key, as they serve to protect an individual's autonomy and preferences regarding medical care, ensuring that healthcare providers and family members can make informed decisions aligned with the individual's wishes. The inclusion of various legal documents under this umbrella makes it crucial for clients and professionals in guardianship and fiduciary roles to understand the full scope and significance of advance directives in care planning.