If you have a complicated medical condition or multiple health issues in Bucks County, it is very important that you create thorough advance healthcare directives. These documents spell out possible risks and the medical decisions that you would like to have made on your behalf in the event that you cannot speak for yourself.
An Advance Healthcare Directive form usually has several sections, including:
Do Your Research
Talk to your doctor and your specialists about what you can expect regarding your condition over time. Ask questions such as:
You may also want to clarify with your doctor some of the terms on the advance directive form, such as what constitutes life-sustaining medical care, whether you are a candidate for organ or tissue donation, and what comfort care might be appropriate.
For instance, “life-sustaining” can be interpreted very broadly. Food and water are life-sustaining, and oxygen is life-sustaining, but most people don’t intend that they be deprived of food, water, or oxygen. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the types of life-sustaining treatments, when they are useful, and which ones may be futile if death is otherwise imminent.
Whether you are a stroke survivor or someone with cardiac issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a degenerative condition such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or severe arthritis, it is important to thoroughly research what treatments you may need in the future, communicate your wishes to your medical power of attorney, and ensure that the person you’ve chosen and any secondary or tertiary medical agents will respect your wishes. Put it in writing, sign it, and make sure your loved ones and your physicians have a copy of your wishes in order to assure that they will be carried out.
BCHIP Can Help
Visit our Advance Care Planning page for more information or download our Advance Healthcare Directive Form.
