A direct care worker should do what if a resident has an advance directive?

A direct care worker should do what if a resident has an advance directive?

• A. Ignore it if the family wants different care.
• B. Follow the directive as written and document any changes or questions with supervisors.
• C. Change the directive as needed.
• D. Only discuss it with the resident if they ask.

Answer: (B)

Respecting an advance directive means honoring the resident’s stated medical care preferences, even if others disagree. The best action is to follow the directive exactly as written and to document any questions or potential changes with supervisors. This keeps care aligned with the resident’s wishes, protects their autonomy, and ensures proper legal and ethical practice. A direct care worker doesn’t have the authority to modify or override the directive, so changing it isn’t appropriate. Ignoring it undermines the resident’s rights and can lead to liability. Discussing it only if the resident asks misses opportunities to ensure the care plan reflects their wishes; if anything is unclear or questions arise, bring them to a supervisor and document them so the care team is informed.

Respecting an advance directive means honoring the resident’s stated medical care preferences, even if others disagree. The best action is to follow the directive exactly as written and to document any questions or potential changes with supervisors. This keeps care aligned with the resident’s wishes, protects their autonomy, and ensures proper legal and ethical practice. A direct care worker doesn’t have the authority to modify or override the directive, so changing it isn’t appropriate. Ignoring it undermines the resident’s rights and can lead to liability. Discussing it only if the resident asks misses opportunities to ensure the care plan reflects their wishes; if anything is unclear or questions arise, bring them to a supervisor and document them so the care team is informed.