What is the purpose of an advance directive?

An advance directive serves primarily to guide medical treatment decisions when an individual becomes incapable of communicating their preferences due to illness or incapacitation. This legal document outlines the individual's wishes regarding medical treatment, including life-sustaining measures, resuscitation efforts, and palliative care options. The goal is to ensure that healthcare providers and family members understand and honor the individual's desires regarding their health care when they are unable to express those wishes themselves.

While the other choices represent important considerations in an individual's overall planning—such as funeral arrangements, financial power of attorney, and home care assistance—they do not encompass the primary function of an advance directive, which is strictly concerned with health care decisions. This focus is critical, as it emphasizes the importance of having one's medical preferences clarified and respected during serious health situations.