Do You Have An Advanced Directive?

[JaniceSW]

I just attended a seminar about the importance of an Advanced Directive.  Of course, I really already knew what one is and the importance, but I guess the seminar brought it home.  I now have paperwork which helps direct my thoughts about such an important medical paper, including who is to be my representative if I am unable to make decisions for myself at the time.  During the next 4-6 weeks, I am expecting to think further about this issue and have it completed, including getting the document witnessed properly and copies made and on file with the relevant people.  Time to get affairs in order.  What about you?

[UGetPaid]

Just a few thoughts of my own, but if I were you and you got a 'fill in the form' kind of paper at your seminar, I would take it to an attorney and ask them what they charge to prepare the same. If what you received was just a list of things to think about and consider that's another story.


You will pay more for an attorney than using a form out of a book, but you will also have the peace of mind that it is written, signed, and witnessed/notarized properly and truly says what you want it to say.  The attorney can also explain the documents and options to you if necessary so you can be sure of that.  I've seen people with do it yourself Advance Directives where you simply check a few boxes to tailor it to your wishes.  But that becomes a problem when you mistakenly check multiple boxes which turn out to be in conflict with each other.


As for copies, most medical facilities will accept a photocopy and treat it just like an original. So if you are tech savvy enough to do it, scan your Directive after it is signed and put it on a flash drive to keep in your purse, keychain, or car glove compartment. That way - if you are ever in a situation where you have to be treated or hospitalized away from your normal medical provider (who you should already have given a hard copy) - you or your agent can give the flash drive to the appropriate person to print off a copy of the scanned document for their file.


Again, it may be more expensive to do this, but something this important is worth paying someone to have it done right.

[mrsmere]

No but I need to have one.  I just did one for my mom and power of attorney because I'm here caregiver.  These are very important papers to have.

[alice44]

We set all that up several years ago and both our kids have a copy.  I think it wouldn't hurt to recheck it again though.  Things change.

[LenoraMinogue]

These are great ideas and very important things to consider. I'm glad you brought up this top. This is useful information. Thanks.

[ktheodos]

not really familiar with it but good to know...

[JaniceSW]

Actually, the person who was conducting the seminar brought up the fact that anyone of any age should think about having one.  She provided an example of someone in a near fatal auto collision when there may be injuries so severe that the person is in danger of dying.  It may be that there has been no discussion regarding the person's wishes in such a case and people related to them are doing as they see fit.  Maybe you have a severe head injury and doctors are saying that you will never be able to function independently and this is a case where you would prefer life extending medical procedures not be used.  No one knows this without an Advanced Directive.

[mamatygress]

I don't have one, but my husband and kids know my wishes.  I have no doubt that they'd follow them.

[vickysue]

We all have one, my husband, I and my brother, stepfather and brother's family. most of them have already been recorded at the hospital and we all carry them. Age has a lot to do with some of ours, and with my brothers family the boys are  working around farm equipment all the time and farmer and driving big rigs. So it is important to have them. Also  a copy of all are in our safes. with  the families also that are involved as possible care takers.

[linderlizzie]

Yes. We just had wills done in the last year or so and they include living wills.

[ancmetro]

          We do not know what is going to happen in the future!

[Timely214]

I've tried that. now everyone I know with a volcabulary thinks/knows they are smarter than me. I'd pick a different term......but then I'm sure you'd think i wasn't talking about the same thing, and then after thinking about it, I wouldn't impress my self let alone everyone else with calling it that........so just trying not to mess up as much while thinking ahead.......if that's your meaning...then yeah......very least, I have a job right now........that's right, right now......and I ate ground beef pizza from pizza hut......and my tummy loved it while looking forward to a 24 w/o sleep session....one of many...I don't mind.....tooo much, if i can get over the caffiene jitters that make people talk to much..........yeah.....happy Valentines Day..........late.

[braggin]

No I don't have one but I have been thinking about getting one drawn up lately. I think I will just buy software for that and make the document on my own home computer rather than going to a lawyer for one, which would be expensive.

[bshee58]

Have thought it, but haven't done it.

[JaniceSW]

          We do not know what is going to happen in the future!

This is exactly why people need to have an Advanced Directive.  Maybe you need to do a little research on exactly what one is and what it does and doesn't do.  If you have any specific wishes regarding your healthcare should you become gravely ill, you need to think about having one.  By the way, for everyone, the more detail and examples you can provide, usually the better so that there are no issues with interpretation if it ever comes to that!