Medical Advance Directives Are

Advance directives resources (Part I):

Medical advance directives are

important to you and your family

Hospitals require them, your doctor suggests them, and your families really need them . . . so what do you know about advance directives?

An advance directive is a document that tells how you want things handled if you cannot let people know. There are two types: medical and financial. Both can be important for various reasons – depending on your situation.

♦ Medical advanced directives – what many think of first as “advanced directives” – may be called a living will or a health care power of attorney (or health care proxy). Names may vary, but AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) urges you to have both. They may be combined.

A living will states your wishes regarding medical treatment, but is not the normal will used to distribute property at death.

With health care power of attorney, someone you appoint makes critical decisions if you cannot. Select someone strong, who knows you well, and that you trust to carry out your wishes.

Watch for Part II: Advance Medical Directives next month.

It will go into financial advance directives in more detail.

This is not a regular or durable power of attorney, which normally covers financial matters. Most states don’t require a specific form, but the document must be witnessed and there are conditions for signatures. Consult your attorney!

Ensure your doctors and families have copies. Also, save one in a carefully verified location. Review these every two years – situations change, as do people.

There are options for special instructions set out in documents provided through organizations like Five Wishes [ www.agingwithdignity.org ], which also handle advance medical directives.

♦ Financial advance directives may include providing an agent to handle your financial concerns.

Arranging advance financial directives can also ease a burden on your family. They won’t have the responsibility of appointing a guardian if you become incapacitated. Basic concerns should be paying bills to avoid penalties.

Watch for Part II of this series on advance directives, following soon. It will go into financial advance directives in greater depth.

Note: Additional information on the topics above can be found as below:

AARP – Advance Directives: Creating a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney

[ www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/ ]

Aging With Dignity – Five Wishes [ www.agingwithdignity.org ]

American Bar Association – Commission on Aging: Myths and Facts About Health Care Advance Directives [ www/abanet.org/aging ]

California (State of) Advance Health Care Directive Form

[ http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/pdf/ProbateCodeAdvancedHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf ]

Healthy Aging San Francisco [http://www.sfhealthyaging.org/ ]

Jim Sterling & Jay Klopfenstein, CalRTA IIRG

NOTE: This material aims only to create awareness, and is not intended as expert or professional advice, nor “endorsed" by CalRTA. Please carefully review with qualified resources and legal advisors prior to acting.

9/24/2014