What are Advance Directives?
Advance Directives speak for you when you are unable to. It tells others in writing what kind of care and treatment you do and do not want and who is authorized to make healthcare decisions for you when you cannot. There are various types of Advance Directives including:
- Living Will
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOA)
- Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POST/POLST)
Why should I make an advance directive?
You should make an advance directive because you will be given medical care that matches your values and goals. Your family can also be relieved of making difficult decisions in a crisis without help.
How can I make an advance directive?
This is often done in 3 steps:
- Think about your values and wishes. Think about what kind of medical treatment you would want if you lost the ability to communicate. Are there any situations in which you would refuse or stop treatment? Whom do you want to make decisions for you?
- Pick a DPOA/proxy for healthcare. This means choosing a trusted person to speak for you only when you can't speak for yourself. When you can't make medical decisions, your proxy makes sure your advance care plan is followed.
- Complete the advance directive forms. There will be several types of state specific documents to fill out. They must be signed by you and may need to be witnessed or notarized. You can cancel or change them whenever you wish.
Our Continuum of Care
Whichever your situation may be, Eden Health is there to lend a helping hand from home care, to home health, palliative care, and hospice. Contact us to learn more about our services or to start the referral process.
