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