Advance Health Care Directive Guidance, anyone?

[Auggie]

Last edited Thu Apr 27, 2023, 07:40 PM - Edit history (1)

Hospitals are asking if I have one. I don't, so I'm in the process of filling one out.

I'm looking for wording that explicitly spells out my wishes and intent. My decision maker, Mrs. Auggie, is cool with what I want, but my bigger concern is any pain-in-the-ass do-gooders, clergy, or administrators that may think they know better.

Me? Stage 3 cancer, operable, but you never know what can happen in an operating room or under anesthesia. If something does occur that renders me helpless, unable to communicate, etc., or become a burden (long-term nursing, feeding tube, breathing machine) I want it known to pull every damn plug and tube and let me die.

Thanks.

[applegrove]

1. I have one and I'm healthy. It is good to have. Makes you feel better

like you won't suffer long if the worst happens.

[Diamond_Dog]

2. I don't have any advice Auggie

But just want to wish you good luck. I had stage 3 and that was 16 years ago and I’m still here.

🙂

[Auggie]

9. Thanks Diamond_Dog

[cilla4progress]

3. Check your pm's,

Auggie. 🙂

[Auggie]

4. Done

Thank you kindly. Good idea.

[cilla4progress]

5. ...

❤️

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Here is one link.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care

If you Google "Advance Health Care Directive" you will find many links.

It's important to think carefully about what is important to you, how much or how little end of life care you want, and so on. Not only do you want to get your values in writing, but you need to verbalize those with anyone around you who might be called upon to make decisions if you no longer can.

It can feel scary, but it's perhaps the most important thing you can do.

Oh, and if you have any valuables outside the change in a coin purse, you need a will. If you haven't done so already, get one made ASAP.

[Auggie]

8. Thanks

[cbabe]

7. Check the hospital ownership. Catholic hospitals can and do override patients' wishes.

[Auggie]

10. That's my concern!

I want this thing bulletproof.

[cbabe]

11. Consult an attorney. Not even the doctor can stop the Catholic

Admins from following the bishop’s dictates. They will be fired if they try. Good luck!

[Quakerfriend]

12. The social workers can usually provide you with

a “boiler plate” copy of living will & durable POA that covers all the bases.

And, fwiw, worked in a catholic hospital for many years and never saw a patient’s wishes overridden by the administration.

Sadly, I have more recently seen MDs refuse to sign a patient onto hospice when they clearly need it & are suffering.

[Auggie]

14. +1

[1WorldHope]

13. Look up fivewishes.com.

You do not need to have a lawyer to do this and if it is witnessed probably best with a notary public. This document is very helpful.
I'm sorry you are here in your life, the more aware of your choices the better. Good luck.
✌️

[Auggie]

15. Thanks. Discovered it's .org, not .com.

[1WorldHope]

16. That makes sense.

[WhiteTara]

17. go online and search for

end of life directives and you will find standard forms.

You don't have to have one though.

[justaprogressive]

18. Possibly another important question..

Who holds your "Power of attorney"?

What about a DNR!

Be prepared.


Stage 3 CA is bad news.

signed LTC nurse.