It seems like the advances in medicine can keep us alive forever.  Take Terri Schiavo, machines kept her alive for 15 years. During that time, because her wishes were not in writing, her family fought over her care.  During that time, her brain literally withered away.

The successes of medical technology and the possibility of extending our time on earth require that we develop a new set of values.  We must consider the quality of our time at the end of our lives, and weigh whether the quality of our life is more important to us than its quantity, than the length of time that we spend as we are dying.  

The consideration of these new values is called “advance care planning”.  When we put our values and choices in writing, it is called an “advance care directive” or an “advance directive”.

Take control of your medical decisions

You have an absolute right to participate in your health care decisions.  Of course, IF you can talk to your doctor and IF you can understand what’s being said about your medical alternatives, you (and only you) will make your health care decisions.

But what if you came down with a sudden illness that prevents you from making your own medical decisions?  What would happen if you were in an accident, and couldn’t speak with the doctors because you were in a coma?  How would you ensure that you get the medical treatments that you want?

The only way that you can maintain control over your medical care, when you can’t express those wishes, is to complete an advance directive.

An advance directive gives you the ability to exercise your right to participate in your medical decisions, and allows the person that you’ve chosen to express your preferences and values for you.  Physicians have a legal, moral and professional obligation to assure that your rights are honored, and your choices respected.

As part this process, you need to take the time to determine your likely response to certain medical situations, life-sustaining treatments and other end-of-life questions.  Lastly, you must make sure that your family, friends, and doctors know your values and your wishes.

There are three types of advance directives in Illinois

1. The primary advance directive is the statutory Power of Attorney for Health Care.  This document allows you to designate who is authorized to make decisions for you, and allows you to express your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments.
2. A DNR/POLST form contains directions and medical orders regarding treatment options in life-threatening conditions, and must be signed by a physician or a medical practitioner.  It is typically used by persons with an advanced illness or fraility, and a limited life expectancy.
3. A Living Will in Illinois is a relatively limited tool, that directs one’s physician to withdraw certain death delaying procedures if certain conditions are met.  A Living Will is superseded by a Power of Attorney for Health Care.

In addition, any other writing signed by you may be considered to be an advance directive, and should be taken into account by your agent and doctors and used as a guide in determining your care.

Make a gift to your family

Advance care planning and advance directives are a gift to your family.  A gift that allows you maintain control over the treatments you receive and the type of death that you desire.  A gift to those close to you who need to know your priorities if you were living with pain, disability, terminal illness, dementia or a debilitating chronic condition.

Advance care planning gives peace of mind to you and your family by reducing uncertainty and avoiding confusion about your values and choices.

No one wants to end up like Terri Schaivo.

CONTACT JOHN

 

Additional Resources:

There’s a NEW Power of Attorney for Health Care for 2016

Power of Attorney for Health Care for 2016 (pdf document)

[email-download download_id=”809″ contact_form_id=”801″]

Instructions for 2016 Power of Attorney for Health Care

Do I Need a DNR?

How to explain your wishes about Life-Sustaining Treatments

Copyright © John M. Varde, P.C., 2016

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