Which type of directive would you use if you want to make sure your health decisions are respected even if you cannot communicate?

The durable power of attorney for healthcare is the correct choice because it allows an individual to designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes. This legal document ensures that someone is appointed to advocate for healthcare preferences, respecting the individual’s values and desires in times of incapacity.

A living will, while it provides guidance regarding specific medical treatments, does not appoint someone to make decisions if the individual cannot express their wishes. An advanced directive encompasses both living wills and durable powers of attorney, but it is the durable power of attorney that specifically ensures a designated individual is in charge of healthcare choices. A do not resuscitate order is limited in scope; it only addresses the preferences for resuscitation in emergency situations and does not encompass broader healthcare decisions. Hence, the durable power of attorney for healthcare is the most comprehensive and effective directive for ensuring health decisions are respected during incapacitation.