Advance Directives
It is not uncommon to hear patients and families debate the pros and cons of a sudden death versus the awareness of a life-limiting illness. For some, this is part of processing and coming to terms with the reality of a terminal illness.
At some point, however, patients and families move beyond the "what ifs" to the "what is". It is at this juncture that real choice reveals itself - such as how to live fully with the awareness of a life-limiting prognosis and what aspects of life may need attention, consideration and action.
Advance Directives are documents written in advance of serious illness that state your choices for health care, or name another person to make those choices for health care, or name another person to make those choices if you become unable to make decisions at some time in the future. The two most common forms of Advance Directives are the Living Will and the Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
A living will is a document that tells your doctor or other health care providers whether you want life-sustaining treatments or procedures administered if you are in a terminal condition or a permanent unconscious state. It is called a "living will" because it takes effect while you are still living.
A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a legal document that accomplishes two objectives. First, it allows the person completing the form (known as the "principal") to designate another (called a "proxy" or "attorney-in-fact") to act on behalf of the principal in the event he/she is unable to do so because of incapacity. Second, the Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows the principal to be quite specific regarding what treatments, procedures, therapies and care are wanted or not wanted under certain circumstances. Healthcare providers are obligated by law to honor the wishes set forth in the form or promptly refer to another provider who is comfortable with, and willing to abide by, the terms as stated in the form.
Making Final Arrangements
It has become a common practice for individuals to make final arrangement with a mortuary, cremation service or memorial service far in advance of illness or death. For many people, "pre-need" arrangements can be financially beneficial. They further relieve survivors of making difficult decisions and arrangements at the time of death.
Attending to final arrangements when facing a terminal illness is even more important. Discussing options and wishes for final arrangements may trigger a range of emotions for the patient and family. Often families find that this discussion can provide an opening for communication around other issues. Everyone is different. Some families find this process just too difficult and make only the most basic decisions. While there is no "right" way to approach final arrangements, it will be necessary to make some choices before death. A member of the Hoffmann Hospice team can support you in this process.
Our staff is happy to help you with these arrangements, please contact us toll free at 661.410.1010 for assistance.
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