# What happens if I do not have advance healthcare directives? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-happens-without-advance-directives-healthcare Language: en Category: general Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.597Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.597Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-happens-without-advance-directives-healthcare If you do not have advance healthcare directives, your loved ones and physicians may not be able to know what kind of medical care you prefer if you become unable to express your wishes. This can lead to confusion and difficulty in decision-making, and your family members may be forced to make difficult choices without knowing your preferences, which can cause them significant psychological stress [\[1\]]() [\[2\]](). ## Understanding Advance Directives Advance directives are legal documents that define your wishes regarding future medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself [\[1\]](). These directives typically include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare [\[1\]](). A living will allows you to specify the types of treatment you wish to receive or refuse, such as the use of life-support machines, tube feeding, or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders [\[3\]](). A durable power of attorney for healthcare, meanwhile, allows you to appoint a trusted person (a healthcare agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so [\[2\]](). ## Potential Consequences of Lacking Advance Directives In the absence of advance directives, physicians and family members may find themselves in a difficult position when making critical decisions about your care [\[3\]](). There may not be a clear consensus among family members about the best course of action, which could lead to disputes and additional tension during an already difficult time [\[1\]](). Additionally, decisions might be made that do not align with your personal values or wishes, as physicians may have to make decisions based on what they believe is medically best, or they may follow the wishes of family members who may not be fully aware of your preferences [\[2\]](). ## The Importance of Advance Planning Completing advance directives is an important step to ensure you receive the medical care you desire [\[1\]](). This gives you control over your healthcare and reduces the burden on your loved ones in the future [\[1\]](). It is best to complete these documents when you are in good health, not waiting until you are diagnosed with a serious illness [\[1\]](). Talking to your family and loved ones about these decisions can help ensure they understand your wishes and can provide you with support [\[1\]](). For more information on healthcare planning, you can visit [Advance Healthcare Directives: Planning for Your Future Medical Decisions (Arabic)](). ## Practical Steps to Create Advance Directives To create advance directives, speak with your doctor, nurse, or social worker for advice and assistance [\[1\]](). After completing the documents, review them with your healthcare team to ensure accuracy before signing them [\[1\]](). It is important to give copies of your advance directives to your doctor, the hospital, and your family members after signing, and to keep copies in a safe, accessible location [\[1\]](). You may also carry a card in your wallet indicating that you have a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, describing where the documents can be found [\[1\]](). Remember that you can change your advance directives at any time, and it is important to review and amend them if your situation or wishes change [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Advance Directives]() - [Advance Directives]() - [Advance care directives]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-happens-without-advance-directives-healthcare#answer