Advance directives in the perspective of the older adults of a municipality in the Midwest of Santa Catarina

Abstract

Objective To analyze the knowledge of older individuals in a municipality in the Midwestern region of Santa Catarina regarding the development of Advance Directives, their preferences regarding the available models, and the selection of a representative to make decisions on their behalf. Method Cross-sectional study carried out by providing participants with two models of Advance Directives were made available to the participants for completion and applied a questionnaire on knowledge, acceptance, and evaluation of the device. Results There were 85.63% of the participants who were unaware of the Advance Directives, 98.13% who were unaware of document models, 100% who considered model 1, more complete, to be good or acceptable, and 66.88% who indicated an adult child as its representative. When asked about the importance of preparing, making available to the population, and passing a law that regulates this right, the participants were assertive respectively by 91.88%, 91.25% and 91.25%. Conclusion Most older people were unaware of the AD models, but mentioned model 1, considering it good or acceptable. Most had no difficulties in understanding and recognized the importance of preparing and making AD available to the population, as well as the need for a law to regulate this right. There was a high proportion of participants indicating an adult child as a legal representative, emphasizing the importance of involving the family in this process. These results highlight the need to make older people aware of AD and provide clear and comprehensive models.