Be specific about your final wishes
By J. KEITH FESTA
Question: What is the difference between advance directives and
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)? What should I do?
Answer: Advance directives are instructions
that will direct your doctor, hospital or other caregivers as to what
kind of care you would like to receive in the event you become unable to
express your desires concerning medical care in the future.
An example of this is if you are in a coma and unable
to respond to questions about treatment choices, the advance directives
give guidelines as to what treatments you would like followed. They may
cover what kinds of treatment you don't want, depending on how ill you
are. They may also express under what conditions you may want treatments
carried out to the fullest extent.
Any advance directives must be made while you are well
enough and mentally competent.
A Do Not Resuscitate order — or DNR — is one type of
advance directive. DNR would mean CPR would not be administered if your
heart stops beating or you stop breathing. Many people who request DNR
have severe advanced diseases such as cancer that has spread. Others may
have organs or systems that have severely failed, like the kidneys,
liver or heart.
A health care proxy is also an advance directive. It
is a person (or persons) you choose to make your health-care decisions
if you are unable to do so. The person(s) should, of course, know your
wishes very well and be someone you can trust to carry out your wishes
as stated, despite any personal views they may hold.
You can name more than one individual to make
decisions jointly or you can name one primary person and backup
individuals in the event that person cannot be located when needed. The
choice is yours alone.
A living will is another type of advance directive
listing your wishes. It should be pretty explicit because the decision
made on your health care will be based on what is written — especially
if you have no health care proxy. A living will does not select someone
to make the decisions for you.
Often we only think about advance directives for the
elderly or seriously ill people. However, one should consider them at
other times. One of those important times is when your child turns 18
and is considered an adult. Unless they have a health care proxy made
out in your name, you may not have the right to have a say in their
health care in case of a medical emergency.
Once your advance directives are made, you may cancel
or change them at any time as long as you are considered of sound mind
to do so. You should make your changes in writing, unless you don't have
time to do so, and advise your family and physician of your changes.
Bringing up the topic of advance directives is
sometimes difficult. Usually, it is a little easier to begin discussions
when people are in relatively good health, but many individuals still
have difficulties. You and your physician can encourage the discussion
with your family that will satisfy your wishes.
(Note that all of these documents are available at
http://www.PartingWishes.com,
http://www.USLegalWills.com and
http://www.LegalWills.ca).
For More Information Contact:
PartingWishes.com
Email:
support@partingwishes.com
Internet:
http://www.partingwishes.com
