What to Include in a Healthcare Directive to Ensure Your Wishes Are Followed
Jan. 23, 2026
Thinking about future medical decisions isn’t easy. Many people put it off because it feels uncomfortable or emotionally heavy. Still, unexpected illness or injury can happen at any time, and without clear instructions, loved ones may be left guessing about what you would want.
That uncertainty can add stress to a difficult situation and create disagreements. At The Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C. in Vineland, New Jersey, I work with individuals throughout South Jersey who want their healthcare wishes respected if they’re unable to speak for themselves.
An advance healthcare directive allows you to communicate those wishes clearly and legally. If you’ve been thinking about putting your preferences in writing or updating an existing document, reach out to me to discuss your options and next steps.
What an Advance Healthcare Directive Does in New Jersey
An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that explains your medical care preferences if you become unable to make or communicate decisions. This document provides healthcare providers with guidance and your loved ones with peace of mind when difficult choices arise.
This directive can address life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and other medical interventions. It also allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Without an advance healthcare directive, doctors may look to default decision-makers or court involvement, which may not reflect your wishes.
Creating this document gives you control over future care decisions. I often explain to clients that an advance healthcare directive isn’t about predicting every scenario, but about giving clear direction rooted in your values.
Having an advance healthcare directive in place can also help avoid delays in treatment during emergencies. When providers have clear written instructions, they’re better positioned to act without hesitation or uncertainty. This added clarity often reduces stress for everyone involved and helps keep decisions aligned with what you want.
Choosing a Healthcare Representative You Trust
One of the most important parts of an advance healthcare directive is naming a healthcare representative. This person has the authority to speak with doctors and make decisions if you’re unable to do so, acting as your voice during critical medical situations.
Choosing the right person requires careful thought. Your representative should understand your values, feel comfortable communicating with medical providers, and be willing to follow your instructions, even in emotionally charged situations.
Key qualities to consider when choosing a healthcare representative include:
Trustworthiness: Someone who respects your wishes and values.
Availability: A person who can be reached quickly in emergencies.
Communication skills: Someone comfortable speaking with medical staff.
Emotional readiness: A person able to handle difficult decisions under pressure.
It’s also important to discuss your wishes openly with your chosen representative. With my years of experience with estate planning, I encourage clients to review their advance healthcare directive with that person so expectations are clear before it’s ever needed.
These conversations can feel uncomfortable at first, but they often provide reassurance for everyone involved. When your representative understands your priorities ahead of time, they’re better prepared to act with confidence if a decision ever needs to be made.
Medical Preferences to Address in Your Directive
An advance healthcare directive should clearly outline your medical preferences, reducing the risk of confusion. These preferences guide healthcare providers and your representative when decisions must be made quickly.
Some people have strong feelings about life-prolonging treatment, while others focus more on comfort and quality of life. There’s no single right answer, only what feels right for you and aligns with your personal beliefs. Taking time to reflect on these preferences can make it easier to communicate them clearly within your advance healthcare directive.
Common medical preferences included in an advance healthcare directive are:
Life-sustaining treatment: Preferences about ventilators or resuscitation.
Artificial nutrition and hydration: Guidance on feeding tubes or IV nutrition.
Pain management: Comfort-focused care and symptom relief.
End-of-life care: Preferences regarding hospice or palliative care.
Being specific helps avoid uncertainty. I work with clients to translate their wishes into clear language that aligns with New Jersey law and medical standards.
When and How an Advance Healthcare Directive Takes Effect
Many people assume an advance healthcare directive takes effect immediately, but that isn’t the case. In New Jersey, the directive generally becomes active only when you’re unable to make or communicate healthcare decisions.
This determination is usually made by a physician based on your medical condition. Until that point, you remain in control of your healthcare choices. Once the directive is active, your healthcare representative steps in in accordance with the authority you’ve granted.
It’s also important to know that you can update or revoke your advance healthcare directive at any time, as long as you’re mentally capable. Life changes, health changes, and personal priorities evolve. Reviewing the document periodically helps keep it aligned with your current wishes.
Plan Ahead With an Advance Healthcare Directive
Preparing an advance healthcare directive is an act of care for both yourself and your loved ones. It reduces uncertainty during emergencies and provides guidance when decisions feel overwhelming. Having this document in place allows your voice to be heard, even when you can’t speak for yourself.
At The Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., I help clients create advance healthcare directives that reflect their values and priorities. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I work closely with clients to explain options, answer questions, and prepare documents that provide clarity and confidence.
If you’re ready to take this important step or want to update an existing advance healthcare directive, reach out to me today to discuss how I can help you move forward. I serve clients in Vineland, New Jersey, and throughout South Jersey.