Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 25) working with your doctor ADVANCE DIRECTIVES A graceful exit By creating an advance directive now, you can ensure that your wishes regarding health care will be met. By Sarah D. Garber A dvance directives tell your doctor and your family what kind of health care you would like to have if you become unable to make medical decisions or express your wishes (for example, if you are in a coma). A good advance directive is made up of 2 parts: the living will and the durable power of attorney for health care. You can use a computer software package for legal documents relating to a living will. WAYS TO WRITE AN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE USE A FORM PROVIDED BY YOUR DOCTOR WRITE YOUR WISHES DOWN BY YOURSELF CALL YOUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR STATE DEPARTMENT ON AGING TO GET A FORM CALL A LAWYER USE A COMPUTER SOFTWARE PACKAGE FOR LEGAL DOCUMENTS The living will A living will is a written, legal document that describes the kind of medical treatments or life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want if you become seriously or terminally ill. an advance directive. However, even if you are in good health, you might want to consider writing an advance directive. An accident or serious illness can happen suddenly, and if you already have a signed advance directive, you know your wishes will be followed. The durable power of attorney for health care A durable power of attorney (DPA) for health care states whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you. It becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. If you don’t choose a DPA, this responsibility falls first to your spouse, then to your adult children or your parents. Changing your advance directive You may change or cancel your advance directive at any time, as long as you are considered of sound mind to do so. Being of sound mind means that you are still able to think rationally and communicate your wishes clearly. Again, your changes must be made, signed and notarized according to the laws in your state. Make sure that your doctor and any family members who knew about your previous directives are also aware that you have changed them. If you do not have time to put your changes in writing, you can make them known while you are in the hospital. Tell your doctor and any family or friends present exactly what you want to happen. Usually, wishes that are made in person will be followed in place of the ones made earlier in writing. Be sure your instructions are clearly understood by everyone you have told. Sarah D. Garber is an associate editor with the American Academy of Family Physicians, headquartered in Leawood, Kan. Advance directives and the law Living wills and DPAs are legal in most states. However, many states have laws about how they should be prepared. Even if it isn’t officially recognized by the law in your state, an advance directive can still guide your loved ones and doctor if you are unable to make decisions about your medical care. Ask your doctor, lawyer or state representative about the law in your state. You may also want to have your advance directive reviewed by your doctor or a lawyer to make sure your wishes are understood. When you are satisfied with your directives, the documents should be notarized. Copies should then be given to your family and your doctor. Why you need one By creating an advance directive, you are making your wishes about medical care known before you face a serious injury or illness. This will spare your loved ones the stress of making decisions about your care while you are sick. Any person 18 years of age or older can prepare an advance directive. People who are seriously or terminally ill are more likely to have ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org/003.xml U.S. Living Will Registry http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/individuals.shtm AARP http://www.aarp.org/research/legal/advancedirect/ familydoctor 2007 25 http://familydoctor.org/003.xml http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/individuals.shtm http://www.aarp.org/research/legal/advancedirect/
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