END OF LIFE PLANNING

What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive tells your doctor what kind of care you would like to have if you become unable to make medical decisions (if you are in a coma, for example). If you are admitted to the hospital, the hospital staff will probably talk to you about advance directives. A good advance directive describes the kind of treatment you would want depending on how sick you are. For example, the directive would describe what kind of care you want if you have an illness that you are unlikely to recover from, or if you are permanently unconscious. Advance directives usually tell your doctor that you don’t want certain kinds of treatments. However, they can also say that you want a certain treatment no matter how ill you are. You should be aware of the laws in your state.

 

Do you have an advance directive?

Yes _____ Please supply us with a copy to keep on file with your records.

No  _____ Click here for document: http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/ad/SouthCarolina.pdf

 

 

What is a Living Will?

A living will is a specific type of advance directive. It is a written legal document that describes the kind of medical treatments or life-sustaining treatments you would want if you were seriously or terminally ill. A living will does not let you select someone to make decisions for you.

Do you have a Living Will?

Yes _____ Please supply us with a copy to keep on file with your records.

No  _____ Click here for document: http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/ad/SouthCarolina.pdf

 

What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?

A durable power of attorney (DPA) for health care is another kind of advance directive. A DPA states whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you. It becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. A DPA is generally more useful than a living will, but a DPA may not be a good choice if you do not have another person you trust to make these decisions for you.

Do you have a Durable Power of Attorney?

Yes _____ Please supply us with a copy to keep on file with your records.

No  _____  Click here for document: http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/ad/SouthCarolina.pdf

 

 

Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________