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There may come a time when you are unable to decide or tell us what you want with regards to your treatment. You have the opportunity now to make some decisions ahead of time. You can tell us in writing about the kind of care you would want if you cannot speak for yourself. This is done through an advance directive.
An advance directive is a written document that explains the health care you want to receive if you cannot or choose not to make your own decisions. There are two kinds of advance directives —
- A living will lets you state in advance what kind of care you would want or not want if there comes a time when you cannot make these decisions for yourself.
- A durable power of attorney for health care is used to appoint a person you trust to make health care decisions for you when you cannot or choose not to make your own decisions. This person is called a proxy or health care agent.
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It should be someone you trust — a spouse, parent, adult child, friend, or other family member. Whoever it is, you should talk to them about your concerns and wishes and what kind of treatments you would want or not want. You and your proxy cannot know all of the questions that might arise in the future, so you'll want your proxy to know what you value most in life and how this reflects on the type of care you would choose for yourself.
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If you can no longer make decisions about your health care, your doctor will ask your next of kin, family, and friends what they believe you would want. These decisions are not easy to make. They can cause great stress in families that have not taken the time to discuss these matters ahead of time.
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At the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, our social workers are equipped to assist you in preparing advance directives. Just ask any of your providers to contact your team social worker.
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Our medical center has resources to help you write your advance directive. These include video programs on the VA Television Network or in the Patient Education Center. You can also ask for our healthcare system's advance directive policy and procedures.
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Yes, but only by you. You may change or cancel it at any time. You can do this by simply telling your doctor, but it is best to write a new advance directive. Be sure to tell your proxy and others concerned with your health care.
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An advance directive is only effective if it is shared with those who need to know. It must be part of your medical record. Make and give copies to the following parties —
- your doctor(s)
- your proxy
- anyone concerned with your health care
Don't forget to make a copy for your own records.
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Can be:
- A neighbor.
- A friend.
- A member of another patient's family.
- Staff who are not involved directly in your care, such as social workers, clergy, or clerks.
Cannot be:
- A member of your family or your surrogate's family.
- Anyone paying your medical bills.
- Anyone who may benefit from your death.
- Any staff who take care of any patients' medical needs, such as doctors or nurses.
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- Are my legal affairs in order?
- Have I made a will?
- Does my spouse or family know where my important papers are kept?
- Do I need to make a plan for my spouse or family's care?
- How do I feel about organ or tissue donations?
- How and where do I want to be buried?
Ask your social worker if you or your family want additional information.
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