Advance Directives

Today's technology has made it possible to sustain patients with little or no hope of recovery almost indefinitely. Planning ahead for the care you would want in critical situations is vital. Who will make decisions about your care should you become seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself? Who will decide when treatment should end? You should!

Advance planning helps ensure that your healthcare decisions are honored and protects your family from making difficult choices without knowing your wishes. Your nurse can give you the “My Choices” booklet, which provides information that will help you make advance directives your family and caregivers can execute on your behalf, should you become incapacitated. You can make advance directives through informal discussions with your family and/or legal documentation. The “My Choices” booklet includes the following documents to help you communicate your choices:

• Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare
• Living will
• Comfort One©/Do Not Resuscitate orders

You can add these documents to your medical record and provide your doctor and family with copies by clicking here.