Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Fall 2018

citizensmemorial.com 15 IMPORTANT PAPERWORK How can you make your medical wishes known if you’re ill or injured and can’t speak for yourself? One way is with a legal document called an advance directive. It tells your doctor and your family what kind of care you want when you can’t tell them yourself. Here are answers to questions you might have about these documents: Q I’m young and healthy.Why do I need an advance directive? A: An accident or serious injury can happen at any age. And it can affect you suddenly. If you already have a signed advance directive, your wishes are more likely to be followed. Q What types of advance directives should I consider? A: A living will explains the care you want— or don’t want—if you’re terminally ill or permanently unconscious. For example, you can state your wishes about: » » CPR (if your breathing stops or your heart stops beating). » » Feeding through a tube in your stomach or through an IV. » » Extended care on a breathing machine. » » Tests, medicines, surgeries or blood transfusions. In contrast, a medical power of attorney—also known as a durable power of attorney for health care—lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unconscious or unable to make them yourself. To be effective, the person you name must be familiar with your values and wishes. A medical power of attorney may be more useful than a living will because it lets the person you name consider each situation you might face. But it may not be a good choice if you don’t have someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. Q How can I write an advance directive? A: This can be done in several ways. For example, you can use a form provided by your doctor or write your wishes down yourself. You can also use a computer software package for legal documents or ask a lawyer to write an advance directive for you. Advance directives don’t have to be complicated. They can be short, simple statements that describe the medical care you desire. Some states require that witnesses, including a notary, watch you sign your advance directive. So be sure to check what your state requires. Then give copies to your family and doctor. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health Advance directives: Your questions answered Call 417-328-7245 and request your free Advance Directive booklet, or go online to citizensmemorial.com and click “Patients andVisitors” to download a copy. ➜ WELLNESS