Advance Directives

Many patients are concerned about how their medical care would change if they become terminally ill or unable to communicate. Some do not want to spend months or years on life-support machines or cause emotional or financial distress for their loved ones.

An advance directive is a document signed by the individual patient that informs other people of the person’s healthcare choices in the event that he or she is unable to communicate. You may name another person to make choices for you if you are too sick to make them for yourself.

There are two kinds of advance directives:

• One is a Living Will, a document in which you tell others of your wishes if you become unable to express your wishes. The Living Will instructs medical professionals and members of your family about what special means should or should not be used to keep your body alive if you are incurably ill. A Living Will allows you to refuse certain medical procedures that may only prolong dying or maintain the body in an unconscious state. A Living Will is to be used only if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A Living Will does not require an attorney, but you may want to discuss your Living Will with your family and doctor. It needs to be signed, dated and witnessed by two persons not related to you.

• A Healthcare Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney is a document in which you name a person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself. Instructions about special medical treatments may also be included in this document. It is imperative that you discuss your Healthcare Proxy document with your family and doctor. It needs to be signed, dated and witnessed by two persons not related to you.

These directives are available in registration or by asking your nurse.