Healthcare Social Worker how-to
How to Help Complete an Advance Directive
Directives make wishes clear.
Quick answer
Directives make wishes clear. In short: explain; discuss; help, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Explain the purpose.
Discuss values and wishes.
Help choose a health care proxy.
Complete the state form.
Arrange witnesses or notary.
Share copies with the care team.
Safety reminders for healthcare social workers
- Follow infection control in hospitals
- Use de-escalation with distressed families
- Protect patient privacy under HIPAA
- Use supervision and self-care
Key terms
Discharge planning · Psychosocial assessment · Advance directive · Health care proxy · Palliative care · Hospice: see the full healthcare social worker glossary.