02/12/07

What decisions do you face?  Does your father need a living will?  Does your aunt need help in making a decision on what nursing home is best for her?  Does your mother need someone she can give a power of attorney to make decisions about her care?  Is the doctor treating your sister the way she wants to treated?  Who makes these decisions?

An advanced directive is a legal document that protects your right to refuse medical treatment you do not want, or to request treatment you do want, in the event you lose the ability to make decisions yourself.

You can appoint a surrogate to make health care decisions on your behalf any time you are unable to make your own medical decisions, provided you give your surrogate written instructions regarding your medical care.

You can state your wishes about medical care in the event you develop a terminal condition or are permanently unconscious and can no longer make your own medical decisions.

You can authorize the giving of all or any part of your body upon your death.