The purpose of Advance Directives is to allow you to make your wishes known when you are unable to voice them yourself. Forms are available upon request.  Give a copy of the completed Advance Directives to your care team, as well as your doctor.   

Advance Directives include:

                Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions (DPOA-HC)

·         Allows you to designate another person to make medical decisions for you.

·         This person makes medical decisions on your behalf only when you are unable to do so.

·         You can specify your wishes regarding medical care in writing.

·         The DPOA-HC does not cover legal and/or financial matters.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

·         A DNR order means a person dies a natural death.  They will still receive optimal comfort care.

·         A DNR order is not required to begin care.

·         If you do not want resuscitation started, ask your doctor to write a DNR order to keep in your home. 

Living Will

·         Takes effect when a person is unable to make decisions regarding health care.

·         Applies only to questions of treatment related to a terminal condition. 

 If you have questions about Advance Directives, ask your care team.