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Healthcare Directives

What are Healthcare Directives?

When I meet Arizona residents who are preparing their Healthcare Directives, the very first thing I tell them is this: these documents aren’t just paperwork — they’re peace of mind. A Healthcare Directive is a group of important documents that make up your medical wishes in case you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. Over the years, I’ve notarized countless sets of these documents, often while sitting at kitchen tables, hospital bedside trays, and living room couches. And every single time, I’m reminded that these decisions are deeply personal and incredibly meaningful.

A Healthcare Directive typically includes a few key documents that work together to protect your voice and your dignity. Most Arizona residents choose to complete a Living Will, which outlines the type of medical care you want (or don’t want) if you’re facing a serious illness or end-of-life situation. Alongside that, there’s usually a Medical Power of Attorney, allowing you to appoint someone you trust to speak on your behalf when you can’t. Some people also add a Mental Health Care Power of Attorney, which covers decisions related specifically to mental health treatment, and an Advance Directive that ties everything together.

The goal of these documents is simple: to make sure your healthcare team and your loved ones never have to guess what you want. When Healthcare Directives are in place, families avoid confusion, and you maintain control over your medical choices no matter what happens.

I’ve seen how comforting it is for people when these documents are completed properly. Whether you’re just starting to think about this or you’ve been putting it off for years, creating your Healthcare Directives is one of the most responsible and caring steps you can take for yourself and the people who care about you.

Who Really Needs Healthcare Directives in Arizona?

Healthcare directives are not just for seniors, people who are sick, or those facing end-of-life care. In reality, most adults benefit from having one, because medical emergencies can happen to anyone at any time.

If you are 18 or older, you are legally considered an adult for medical decision-making purposes. That means no one automatically has the right to speak for you unless you have completed a healthcare directive or state law assigns a default decision-maker.

Adults of Any Age

Young, healthy adults often assume their family can step in if something happens. In many cases, that’s not guaranteed. A healthcare directive ensures that someone you choose—not someone assigned by default—can make decisions for you if you are unconscious, sedated, or otherwise unable to communicate.

Parents and Caregivers

Parents of minor children and individuals caring for others often focus on everyone else’s needs and forget their own planning. A healthcare directive helps ensure that if something happens to you, your medical wishes are clear and the right person can act quickly—allowing loved ones to focus on caregiving rather than decision-making disputes.

Older Adults and Seniors

While healthcare directives are not only for seniors, they are especially valuable as people age. As medical care becomes more complex, having documented instructions helps prevent confusion and reduces stress on spouses, adult children, and caregivers.

People With Chronic Conditions or Serious Diagnoses

Anyone managing a long-term health condition, disability, or serious diagnosis should strongly consider a healthcare directive. These documents help guide medical teams and loved ones if your condition changes or worsens unexpectedly.

Older Adults and Seniors

Anyone Facing Surgery, Travel,

or Higher-Risk Activities

People preparing for surgery, frequent travel, or high-risk occupations often complete healthcare directives as a precaution. These documents provide peace of mind, even if they’re never needed.

If you would want someone you trust to speak for you—or if you would want your wishes followed rather than guessed—then you are someone who should have a healthcare directive.

Healthcare directives are not about expecting the worst. They’re about being prepared, protecting your choices, and reducing the burden on the people you care about most.

When Do Arizona Residents Need to Complete Healthcare Directives

The best time to complete a healthcare directive is before you need it. Many people wait until there’s a health scare, but that’s exactly when completing forms can become difficult or impossible.

Common times people complete or update directives: