1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Advance Directives: What We All Need To Know October 2011

2. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives What is an advance directive? Quite simply… It is a document prepared in ADVANCE that DIRECTS others in some way

3. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives Advance directives for health care Help to answer these questions:  Whom would I trust to make medical decisions for me if I were unable to do so?  What are my preferences for the types of medical care I would want used to prolong my life?

4. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives Two parts of an advance directive  Durable power of attorney for health care –Helps answer question #1 by naming that person (and a backup) –This person is known as your health care proxy (A proxy is a stand-in)  A living will –Helps answer question #2 –Communicates your health care preferences to your health care team and health care proxy when you cannot speak for yourself

5. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives One or both?  You can have a living will without naming a health proxy.  You can name a health care proxy without having a living will.  Having both parts of the advance directive is usually the best way to ensure your wishes will be honored.

6. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives Reasons to have an advance directive  It helps ensure that your values and choices are honored.  It helps your loved ones to make decisions.  It reduces the chance of conflict among loved ones who might not agree with each other about what is best.  It also helps the health care team to care for you according to your wishes.

7. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives Choosing a health care proxy or agent  Try to choose someone who: –knows you well –has your best interests at heart –will honor your choices –is strong enough to advocate for you if other loved ones don’t agree  Be sure to inform the person (and back-up) that you have named them as your health care proxy or agent.  Discuss your treatment preferences with your health care proxy.

8. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives Living will Helps the health care team and your loved ones to know your preferences for the use of: IV fluids antibiotics ventilators feeding tubes surgery, procedures, etc. to prolong your life.

9. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2011Advance directives Where to begin  Resources: – Five Wishes www.agingwithdignity.orgwww.agingwithdignity.org Recognized in most states as a valid and legal advance directive – National Healthcare Decisions Day Explores issues related to medical decision-making  Some states have specific requirements.  You can also ask your doctor, a social worker, or call your local hospital for more information.