Education About Advance Directives
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An advance directive is a legal way to tell others your wishes at the end of your life. It tells your family and your doctor what to do if you can no longer say what you want. There are two main types of advance directives. You can change them any time that your wishes change.
• A living will tells your family and your doctor your wishes about life support and other treatment.
• A durable power of attorney for health care lets you name a person to make treatment decisions for you when you can’t speak for yourself. This person is called a health care agent.
If you do not have an advance directive, decisions about your medical care may be made by a doctor or a judge who doesn’t know you. It may help to think of an advance directive as a gift to the people who care for you. If you have one, they won’t have to make tough decisions by themselves.
Where do I start with Advance Directives?
• Discuss your wishes with your loved ones and your doctor. This way, there are no surprises.
• Many states have a unique form or you might use a universal form that has been approved by many states. This kind of form can sometimes be completed and stored online. Your electronic copy will then be available wherever you have connection to the internet. In most cases, doctors will respect your wishes even if you have a form from a different state. The state of Texas has forms available online for you to use if you choose. Go online to: www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives
• You don’t need a lawyer to do an advance directive. But you may want to get legal advice.
• Think about these questions when you prepare an advance directive:
o Who do you want to make decisions about your medical care if you are not able to? Many people choose a family member or close friend.
o Do you know enough about life support methods that might be used? If not, talk to your doctor so you understand.
o What are your most afraid of that might happen? You might be afraid of having pain, losing your independence, or being kept alive by machines.
o Where would you prefer to die? Choices include your home, a hospital, or a nursing home.
o Would you like to have information about hospice care to support you and your family?
o Do you want to donate organs when you die?
o Do you want certain religious practices performed before you die? If so, put your wishes in the advance directive.
It is the policy and intent of Connally Memorial Medical Center (CMMC) to honor, educate, and support patients in formulating Advance Directives. This ensures an atmosphere of respect and caring and maximizes the patient’s ability and right to participate in their own medical decision-making. Advanced Directives can protect patients wishes and rights in the event the patient becomes unable to make health care decisions. CMMC will follow all applicable State and Federal laws. A copy of CMMC’s policies and procedures about Advance Directives are available upon request. If unable to follow a patient’s Advance Directives, CMMC will make every effort to transfer the patient to a facility prepared and equipped to implement the desired Advance Directives. Further education and assistance are available to you, free of charge, from the Department of Spiritual Care at CMMC.
For assistance with Advance Directives, contact Chaplain Birdie Shawker by email at: jshawker@connallymmc.org