Advance Directive
Sensitive topic for some.
After reading the turmoil PamfromTX is battling between her mothers wishes, and her sisters needs, I feel that the pressure they are under would not have arisen if her mother had made a Living Will (Advance Directive).
A Living Will lets you specify decisions about artificial life support or any other medical care in advance, if you are in a state where you cannot communicate. It not only ensures your wishes will be heard, but also protects your loved ones from having to make these difficult, deeply personal choices for you.
At our time of life, this is just as important as making a Last Will & Testament.
I made a Living Will before I had major surgery last May. This is placed in my file at my doctors and at the hospital, which can be seen by any hospital if my records are needed.
How many have already made Living Will, or think you should? And if you are against it, what made you make that decision?
Pro’s and con’s welcome.
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Having worked in nursing homes I am familiar with advance directives. They are a god-send. I signed one when I was hospitalized back in ’08. Since moving, I plan to renew it as soon as I can. I am lucky that my daughter already knows and agrees with my wishes. But if anything should happen to her an advance directive is very important. Another directive that should be discussed is the DNR…do not resuscitate. I do not wish to be in a comatose or vegetative state for the remainder of my life. If there is no hope for a complete recovery, or at least one where I can communicate in some fashion, let me go. With dignity and peace. Love, Jackie xxx
Thank Jackie, As anything can be included, my request is CPR for ONE minute only. is just one request. And I agree it is a god-send this is now permitted.
My husband and I both have one, I think for peace of mind and to leave clear directives for family is fair to everyone…we have both stated NO life support for ANY reason…We have told our children what we have done and why and what the directives are..we have also named two Power of Attorney’s and the same couple are also the Executor’s of our Wills. So we have taken it out of the hands of close family. Again our children are aware of this and why, they are fine with it and have actually said they would prefer not to have that burden anyway so they can just grieve and do what they need to do.
ICU at hospital, favorite saying, we have the ability to keep you alive—- YOU just might NOT LIKE IT. Excellant job…..
my wife does a lot of this kind of thing at work for people. more and more are coming in and requesting it.
This is part of my husband’s job duties as well. And I’m quite familiar with it since I have worked in a hospital setting all of my adult life.
Thanks jackie, cat, massy, jcb, pam.
Youre right, More and more people are getting to know this service is available, but still some are hesitant because its facing the inevitable, and we dont want to think that maybe tomorrow we mayl be in an accident, where our brain is non functional.
Maybe those that are okay with talking about, could talk to friends and family about putting their wishes in writing. Makes a whole lot of sense to me.
Thanks for reading,
I have had one for a few years now, its best to leave clear instructions, as Catraoine rightly says a lot of people forget about taking out Power of Attorney’s. Gives you such peace of mind.
Very wise kranky. Thanks 🙂
My husband and I did our wills, both last will and testement and living wills, and we also had power of medical attoryney, and power of financial attorney drawn up. It was a godsend when I lost him 15yrs. later, and everything was in black and white no one could question me or my sons as to what we did or did not do, or what my husbands wish’s were. Everyone needs to talk about what your wish’s are with your family, having a Will, drawn up will eliminate the interpitation.
My sympathy sunny. It certainy takes all the pressure away, because when you are with someone in the last stages of life, logic goes out the window. Thanks 🙂
I think this is such a good idea but not got round to it – a good reminder to get moving on it – thanks
Good for you Whitestones, and pleased this was a reminder for you. Its never too early to put your wishes in writing.