Advance Directive

It’s important to feel in control of your situation no matter what the outcome. Advance directives do just that. Learn more about them and create your own here.

What is an advance directive?

Advance directives are documents that you write in the event that you experience a serious illness or injury. The document contains how you would like to proceed if you are unable to make the decision yourself. Advance directives are helpful for you, your family, and your medical care team as they ensure all are proceeding with the manner of medical care you wish to have.

Living wills

A living will is a type of advance directive. In it, you can state what kind of life-prolonging care you wish to have should you become terminally ill, unconscious or vegetative, or are otherwise unable to make your own decisions.

Durable power of attorney (for healthcare)

Another kind of advance directive is “durable power of attorney for health care.” This is a document that is a legally valid (signed, dated, witnessed) wherein you have named another person who will make medical decisions for you in the event that you cannot do this yourself. This applies to any time you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions, not just end of life.

How to file an advance directive

The below links are helpful in creating your own advance directive

Caring Connections
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 625
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-800-658-8898
http://www.caringinfo.org

American Hospital Association
http://www.putitinwriting.org

Aging with Dignity
http://www.agingwithdignity.org