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NOW AND THEN,
an anguished
family’s debate over the care of a ter-
minally ill loved one makes the news.
If that sort of story has left you won-
dering about your own care in a simi-
lar situation, you may want to think
about putting some advance directives
in place.
Advance directives are legal docu-
ments that state the types of medical
care you do or don’t want in case you
can’t speak for yourself—either tempo-
rarily or permanently.
You may have strong feelings about
being dependent on a ventilator to
breathe, or perhaps you don’t want
to leave stressful medical decisions to
loved ones. Having advance directives
may give you some peace of mind.
There are two common types of
advance directives: a living will and a
medical power of attorney.
Living will
A living will is speci cally for end-
of-life care. It spells out the measures
you do and don’t want to be taken to
prolong your life if you can’t make
your own decisions and there is no
hope that you’ll recover from the
condition.
According to the National Hospice
and Palliative Care Organization, you
don’t need a lawyer’s help to write a
living will. It’s considered legal as soon
as you sign it, although most states
require the signature of a witness or a
notary public.
But it’s probably a good idea to dis-
cuss with your doctor what you might
want to put in a living will before
preparing one.
Your doctor can go over common
treatment options available during
end-of-life care, such as resuscitation if
your heart stops or arti cial nutrition
and hydration if you can no longer eat
or drink on your own.
Medical power of attorney
Also known as a health care proxy or
a durable power of attorney for health
care, a medical power of attorney lets
you select someone to make decisions
Learn more about advance directives. Visit
frhs.org
and then click on “Our Services,” then “Hospice.”
about your health care when you
can’t.
Unlike a living will, this docu-
ment isn’t only for treatment at the
end of life. It also can be used when
your medical condition is tempo-
rary. As soon as you’re sufficiently
recovered from your illness or
injury, you’re back in charge of your
own care.
As with a living will, you don’t
need an attorney to name a health
care proxy. In some states, the two
directives are combined into a single
document.
Plan ahead
with
advance directives
Carefully choose
your proxy
You should put careful thought into
who you want to be your health care
proxy (also known as a health care
agent).
It’s important to remember that this
person may at some point make deci-
sions about your medical care.
According to the National Hospice
and Palliative Care Organization and the
American Hospital Association, a good
choice for your health care proxy is:
•
Someone you trust, whether that’s a
family member or a friend.
•
A person who understands and
respects your medical wishes.
•
Someone other than your doctor or a
professional caregiver.
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