Do You Have An Advance Medical Directive?
By Alice Henry
@IreneVincent (15960)
United States
March 10, 2016 4:32pm CST
Since no one is assured that they will be alive tomorrow, or that they will be able to make any decisions about what treatment they will or will not accept, an Advance Medical Directive is VERY important to have on file with your doctor and copies given to selected family members.
This is a document to set forth treatment instructions and to appoint a health-care agent in case of being incapacitated. This document when completed by you and signed and notarized, appoints someone to act for you and make health-care decisions for you, if you are unconscious or otherwise unable to make the decision yourself.
This document also gives full power to your agent (the person you appoint and name on the document) to consent or to refuse treatment (including artificial nutrition, hydration and/or blood transfusions) and to consult with your doctors and receive copies of your medical records, and even to take legal action to ensure that your wishes are honored.
You may appoint any adult to be your agent. However, it is recommended that you do NOT appoint your physician, any of your physician’s employees, or any employee of a hospital or nursing home where you might be a patient. Your agent should be someone that you completely trust to follow your written instructions as listed on the document.
5 people like this
5 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
10 Mar 16
I have encountered many people that do not have one. I am one of those fools that does not have one in place. My husband, daughters and sons have often touched base on the subject. They know my wishes and I hope that they follow through.
Unfortunately we know that even with that being said, there is no guarantee that my wishes will happen. I will need to have it in writing and notarized too.
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
11 Mar 16
It's easier than you might think, to get it done. Basically, you just write down what you want done and have it notarized. There are "official" forms that you can obtain, but they are not really necessary, as long as you know what you want to say.
Just take an evening with your husband and daughters and EACH of you do your own. Then have them notarized and copied so that each one has a copy of the other persons paperwork.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Mar 16
@IreneVincent I can probably get a copy at my place of employment. I think the social workers have them.
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
11 Mar 16
It's a good idea to have this ready, just in case. Everyone, no matter what age they are should have it done.
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
11 Mar 16
That's good! It's the SMART thing to do.
1 person likes this
@puddleglum (1380)
• United States
11 Mar 16
I used to volunteer in a hospital chaplain's office. Some of the situations I witnessed persuaded me that I needed to set up my advanced directives. Most of my immediate family has done so also.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
11 Mar 16
Yes, it's what everyone should do. Advanced Medical Directives are the SMART thing for everyone to have in place.
1 person likes this
