Advance Directives are decisions made by a patient in advance that clearly state the level of care desired in the event of an irreversible or terminal illness. Such decisions can be written in the form of a Directive to Physician (Living Will) or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. It is an excellent idea to communicate your decisions to your family and to your physician and provide them with copies of any directives you may execute.
You will be asked during your admission if you have an Advance Directive. If no, the admission personnel will provide you with the forms. If you have questions, please contact the Social Services Department for further information. |
The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a legal document that relates only to healthcare decision-making. It allows you to name another person to act on your behalf only if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It gives you the opportunity to give the person you choose written guidelines to help carry out your wishes about your care. If you have a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, it is important for you to discuss it with the person you have chosen and give that person a copy of the document. This document should be brought with you to the hospital. If you do not have one, we encourage you to complete a Durable Power of Attorney and keep it as part of your health record. |
A Directive to Physicians is a signed, dated and witnessed document that allows you to state your wishes regarding the use of life-sustaining procedures. The Directive becomes effective only when you are terminally ill and are not able to make treatment decisions.
If you have a Directive, be sure to discuss this with the appropriate people (your physician, family, friends, or clergy) and provide them with signed copies. This document should be brought with you to the hospital. If you do not have a Directive, we encourage you to complete one to keep as a part of your health record. Please contact our Social Services Department if you have questions. |
