Advance Directives

Thursday, March 7, 2002

While it seems reasonable that most people would want their wishes carried out should they become too sick or hurt to speak for themselves, less than one in four of us have any type of advance directive. Today, Dr. Ken Davis talks about why this piece of paper is so important.

Nothing is as inevitable as death and taxes. Most people prepare for taxes, but preparing for death is a lot harder to face. All it takes is a living will that you prepare in advance—a one-time document that can give your family some incredible peace of mind.  You can also choose a proxy, a person who can speak for you and make the choices you would make if you could. A proxy can be named in your living will, or you can set up a durable power of attorney for health care. You can choose to have any or all of these three advance directives. Talk to your family and doctor now so that they will know and understand your choices. Give them a copy of what you have signed. If you go to the hospital, give a copy of your advance directive to the person who admits you to the hospital.  For North Mississippi Health Services, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.

You need to involve the younger adult members of the family, too. Many people do this in the form of a family meeting. You can also get the form from any hospital. Since 1990 all hospitals have been required by federal law to provide advance directives to anyone they admit for any reason. They’ll give you one, too, just ask. It’s a good idea and easier than you think. For more information, visit www.wtva.com.