As you might guess, merely providing people with information does not necessarily promote action. There are a number of considerations that affect a person's choice when considering writing advance directives. Many had an aversion to actually writing out formal arrangements and depended on the family to know what was best. In contrast, older adults with no family were very interested in using advance directive instruments and appointing friends or physicians as proxies to make their health care decisions for them. This initiative was taken as a result of having to make their own health care decisions throughout life.
Advance directives are a choice for people who wish to exercise their autonomy as long as possible.
They provide clarity of direction for the people chosen to act as surrogates and remove the burden of guilt. Following are two organizations that have information and packets on advance directives. States differ in their requirements, and the organization Choice in Dying offers specific state packets. A guide to living wills and other advance directives for health care. The Johns Hopkins Press.