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Advance directives: what you need to know to prepare for the end of your life with peace of mind

Drawing up your advance directives is an essential step in expressing your wishes regarding the end of your life. and ensure that your wishes are respected in the event of incapacity to communicate.

In this article, we take you through the various steps involved in drawing up, completing and submitting an advance directive form. 

What are advance directives?

The legal definition of advance directives

Advance directives are defined as a written declaration by which a person of legal age makes known his or her wishes concerning health and health careIn the event that she is no longer able to do so herself when making important medical decisions.

This approach applies in particular to end of life, d'prolonged hospitalization or even refusal of aggressive therapy.

Rights and law concerning advance directives in Europe

In Europe, patients' rights regarding advance directives vary from country to country. However, most legislations give greater importance to this type of document and recognize their legal validity.

In France, the law stipulates that advance directives are binding and must be respected by healthcare professionals, except in the event of a life-threatening emergency. or if the wishes expressed do not correspond to the patient's medical situation. In the latter case, a collegial procedure can be set up to discuss management options.

When should I fill in my advance directives?

There is no ideal time to fill out your advance directives, but it is advisable to do so. as soon as you become aware of your end-of-life wishes. The sooner you prepare this document, the less you'll have to worry about in the event of an accident or serious illness.

Where to file and who collects advance directives

Once you have completed your form, you should hand it in to a healthcare professional or medical establishment so that it can be consulted if necessary.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Your attending physician, who will keep it in your medical file,
  • The hospital where you are being treated, if you are currently in hospital or receiving treatment,
  • A specialized service, such as the departmental archives, to centralize advance directives in your region.
  • Directly on your Legapass account

Fill in your form online on your Legapass account!

How do I draw up and complete an advance directives form?

There are a few steps to follow in drawing up your advance directives:

1. Download a template or fill in the free Legapass form

You can find various models on the Internet, including on the Ameli website or in PDF format. These are usually pre-filled documents with questions to tick off and blank spaces to add your comments.

✅ Alternatively you can fill in your free form directly on Legapass

2. Write down your end-of-life wishes

Think about write down important aspects of your end-of-life situation, such as your wishes regarding resuscitationThe use of certain painkillers.

3. Designate a support person

In your advance directives, you have the option of designate someone to take decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity to do so.

⚠️ Choose this person carefully, taking into account his or her availability and ability to make decisions in line with your wishes.

4. Fill in the form carefully

Take the time to complete your document or form, making sure you tick all the boxes that correspond to your wishes.

➡️ Feel free to add further details if necessary, to make sure your intentions are understood.

Advance directives or "My wishes" on Legapass

What is "My wishes" on Legapass?

These are your written wishes regarding the conditions at the end of your life. Enlist the help of your loved ones or a healthcare professional to fill in this form free of charge on your Legapass account. 

How do I add my advance directives to Legapass?

Have you already drawn up your advance directives?

👉 Upload your completed document to your Legapass account. 

You haven't yet drawn up your advance directives?

👉 Enter your last wishes directly on Legapass by filling in the form.

Your loved ones will thus have access to your advance directives, your wishes concerning the organ donation as well as your information in case of dependency. ✅

Indicate your current state of health

🔘 You think you're in good health.

🔘 You have a serious illness and/or be near the end of your life.

Accept or reject

🔘 le artificial maintenance alive,

🔘 the limitation or thediscontinuation of treatment in progress,

🔘 the deep sedation and continuous.

If necessary, add details on the type of situation.

Organ donation

🔘 Grafting organs and/or tissues.

🔘 Search scientific.

🔘 Search for cause of death.

If you decide to oppose the removal of your organs and tissues, let us know by registering on the national register of refusals maintained by the Agence de la Biomédecine (French Biomedicine Agency).

Dependency

➡️ Tell your family if you have subscribed to a long-term care insurance contract.

How can I refuse to accept medical persecution and ensure that my directives are respected?

Drawing up your advance directives

Clearly indicate in your document or form your do-not-resuscitate (DNR) in the event of life-threatening distressfor example, in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Deposit your form where it can be easily consulted

As mentioned above, inform your attending physician and register your advance directives. in a place where they can be easily consulted, as is the case with Legapass. ✅

Inform your loved ones of your decision

It is also important to discuss your wishes regarding resuscitation with your loved ones, and to explain them to them. inform you of the existence of your advance directives. This will enable them to better understand and respect your wishes should the need arise.

Finally, don't hesitate to update your advance directives over time, particularly if your wishes or medical situation change. To find out more, go to your Legapass account

By following this advice, you can be sure that your wishes concerning your end-of-life will be known and respected by healthcare professionals and your loved ones.

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