Healthcare planning gives you a voice, even when you can’t speak for yourself. In Illinois, several legal tools help make sure your wishes are respected.
Choose the right healthcare directive
Illinois law allows you to create an advance directive; the two main types are a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. A living will outlines what medical treatments you want or don’t want. A healthcare power of attorney lets you choose someone to make decisions for you if you can’t. Both forms are legally recognized in Illinois.
Talk to your chosen decision-maker
After you fill out the documents, have a clear conversation with the person you name as your agent. Make sure they understand your values and medical preferences to avoid confusion later. You should also tell your family members to reduce the chance of disagreements.
Share and store your documents properly
Give copies of your directive to your doctor, your agent, and close family members. You should also keep a copy somewhere easy to find. If you end up in the hospital, your healthcare team needs quick access to your wishes, so some people carry a card in their wallet or use digital storage options to help with this.
Update your choices when things change
Life changes, and so can your opinions. Review your healthcare directives every few years, especially if your health changes or you lose a loved one. Illinois law allows you to update or cancel your documents at any time, as long as you can make decisions for yourself.
Respecting your voice and your wishes
Taking time to prepare healthcare directives means your care will reflect what matters most to you, and it helps your loved ones make decisions with confidence, knowing they’re doing what you would have wanted.
