The First Three Elements of a Healthcare Directive to Consider

The name of a healthcare agent

Each parent's directive should appoint an individual to supervise that parent's medical care or ensure that each gets the type of care they want if they can't communicate themselves. However, if this is a sticking point for your parents -- if they don't know a person they can trust with this task -- it's still a good idea for them to put their wishes for the type of medical care they prefer in writing. Most state laws prevent attending physicians and other healthcare providers from serving in this role.

The name of an alternate agent

It's wise to name an alternate person to serve as the healthcare agent in case the first person named is unable or unwilling to act when necessary.

Instructions about whether your parents want their lives prolonged

Health care directives in most states allow your parents to specify which medical treatments or procedures they would want provided, including whether they'd want to be on a ventilator or to be resuscitated if their lungs or heart fail. Some other types of care commonly considered "life-prolonging" include blood transfusions, dialysis, surgery, and some types of diagnostic tests.