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Complete Health Care Resources |
What is an Advanced Health Care Directive and
Why Do I Need One?
by: Barbara C. Phillips
Advanced health care directives are written instructions
that communicate your wishes regarding care and treatment should you no
longer be able to make your own health care decisions. Some directives are
broken down into two parts - a Living Will and a Health Care Power of
Attorney (HCPOA). The exact language and type of document will vary
depending upon the laws in your location.
Basically a Living Will allows certain treatments to be withheld or
withdrawn if using them will only prolong your dying process; or if you
are unconscious (and in a vegetative state) and there is no hope for
recovery. An example of treatment may include feeding tubes or
resuscitation if you heart stops working.
If you are unable to make health care decisions, either temporarily or
permanently, a HCPOA allows you to appointment someone to make them on
your behalf. It is in your best interest to choose someone who understands
thoroughly your desires and is willing to honor your requests. Should you
not designate a decision making person(s), generally your legal next of
kin will be looked for to make that decision for you. Caution - please
note that it is your “legal” next of kin who will be making decisions, and
not necessarily your significant other of 25 years. In today’s world, this
is another very important reason to have these documents in place.
From the standpoint of a health care provider who has worked from
intensive care to hospice to primary care, I cannot stress enough the
importance of having these documents completed...NOW. One never knows when
one will have need of them, and these documents will save you and those
that love you much grief and suffering.
In many cases, you can obtain forms from your health care provider. Forms
are also readily available online. A simple online search using "Advanced
Health Care Directive" on google pulled up 680,000 pages. You can break
that down further by including your state/country.
Once you have these forms filled out, signed, witnesses, and perhaps even
notarized, make several copies and put the original in a safe place. Make
sure that the person/persons whom you have designated as your decision
maker have a copy of the document, as well as your health care provider,
hospital, and anyone else who needs one. Please make sure that everyone
involved knows your wishes.
And remember, should you change your mind….just fill out a new form. The
most current form is always the valid one.
Do it today.
*Legal information does not constitute legal advice. Please check the laws
of your location, and consult with an attorney as indicated.
~~~~~
For over 26 years, Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP has been involved in health
care. Now, as the founder of OlderWiserWomen, LLC, that experience and
passion is focused on Women who want to experience the freedom, magic and
wisdom of successful aging. She can be reached through
http://www.OlderWiserWomen.com
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