Rogue
10/3/2006, 06:50 PM
Do you have an advance directive?
I strongly recommend that you complete one.
A couple of things you want to consider:
1) Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
-Names the person(s) you want making decisions for you if you can't.
2) Living Will Statement
-Whether you want everything done for you or "nothing heroic"
it is your chance to put it in writing.
3) Treatment Preferences
-Artificial nutrition? Artificial hydration? Blood transfusions?
I don't care what yours says, but you should have one.
As a social worker at a big hospital, I often see how advance directives remove the ambiguity from the decision-making burdens that fall to family members.
Another important thing to do is, IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE, talking to your family about your wishes.
You can see a lawyer if you want to, but this is usually a free service at your local hospital.
I strongly recommend that you complete one.
A couple of things you want to consider:
1) Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
-Names the person(s) you want making decisions for you if you can't.
2) Living Will Statement
-Whether you want everything done for you or "nothing heroic"
it is your chance to put it in writing.
3) Treatment Preferences
-Artificial nutrition? Artificial hydration? Blood transfusions?
I don't care what yours says, but you should have one.
As a social worker at a big hospital, I often see how advance directives remove the ambiguity from the decision-making burdens that fall to family members.
Another important thing to do is, IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE, talking to your family about your wishes.
You can see a lawyer if you want to, but this is usually a free service at your local hospital.