Medical Directives

We wish all seniors and caregivers a "Spirit of Life"
full of respect, dignity, love, and joy.

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*Medical Directives*

 

What would happen if you could no longer make decisions about your medical care because of a serious illness or injury? How would your family and doctors know your wishes?

You can plan ahead by writing an  Advance Medical Directive also called an Advance Directive. A medical directive statement outlines the medical treatment you'd want or names the person you'd want to make health care decisions for you if you could no longer express your wishes.

 Facts:

  • Advance directives are legally valid throughout the United States.
  • A living will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
  • Before your living will can guide medical decision-making two physicians must certify:You are unable to make medical decisions,you are in the medical condition specified in the state's living will law (such as "terminal illness" or "permanent unconsciousness"),

  • A medical power of attorney (or health care proxy) allows you to appoint a person you trust as your health care agent (or surrogate decision maker), who is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf. 

  • Before a medical power of attorney goes into effect a person’s physician must conclude that they are unable to make their own medical decisions.

 

*Prepare and sign the appropriate advance directive forms for your state. Keep the original and give copies to your agent and alternate agents, family and doctors and have it placed in your medical record.*

Selecting an Agent: Select someone whom you trust and who understands your decisions.Because you are asking your agent to accept significant responsibility, be certain to ask your agent if he or she is willing to act on your behalf. Not everyone is able to be an effective agent. Talk to your agent about your wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatment.

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