Instead, it serves as doctor-ordered instructions - not unlike a prescription - to ensure that, in case of an emergency, you receive the treatment you prefer. This form does not replace your other directives. Keep a copy with you when you are traveling.Ī POLST is intended for people who have already been diagnosed with a serious illness.Carry a wallet-sized card that indicates you have advance directives, identifies your health care agent and states where a copy of your directives can be found.Having a clear understanding of your preferences can help your family members avoid conflict and feelings of guilt. By having these conversations now, you help ensure that your family members clearly understand your wishes. Talk to family members and other important people in your life about your advance directives and your health care wishes.Keep a record of who has your advance directives.Give a copy to your health care agent and any alternate agents.Keep the originals in a safe but easily accessible place.When you have completed your documents, you need to do the following: Review your advance directives with your doctor and your health care agent to be sure you have filled out forms correctly. Links to state-specific forms can be found on the websites of various organizations such as the American Bar Association, AARP and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Contact a local medical school, university or donation program for information on how to register for a planned donation for research. Donating your body for scientific study also can be specified.To help your health care agent avoid any confusion, you may want to state in your living will that you understand the need for this temporary intervention. If your organs are removed for donation, you will be kept on life-sustaining treatment temporarily until the procedure is complete. Organ and tissue donations for transplantation can be specified in your living will.This may include being allowed to die at home, getting pain medications, being fed ice chips to soothe mouth dryness, and avoiding invasive tests or treatments. Comfort care (palliative care) includes any number of interventions that may be used to keep you comfortable and manage pain while abiding by your other treatment wishes.If you were near the end of life, would you want infections to be treated aggressively or would you rather let infections run their course? Antibiotics or antiviral medications can be used to treat many infections.Determine if, when and for how long you would want to receive this treatment. Dialysis removes waste from your blood and manages fluid levels if your kidneys no longer function.Decide if, when and for how long you would want to be fed in this manner. Tube feeding supplies the body with nutrients and fluids intravenously or via a tube in the stomach.Consider if, when and for how long you would want to be placed on a mechanical ventilator. Mechanical ventilation takes over your breathing if you're unable to breathe on your own.Determine if and when you would want to be resuscitated by CPR or by a device that delivers an electric shock to stimulate the heart. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) restarts the heart when it has stopped beating. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about any of the following medical decisions: You should address a number of possible end-of-life care decisions in your living will. You may also choose one or more alternates in case the person you chose is unable to fulfill the role. The person you name may be a spouse, other family member, friend or member of a faith community.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |