Advance Directive

Planning for Peace of Mind

Planning ahead can offer you and your loved one’s peace of mind. Advance care planning is important at any age and at any stage in life- not just for those who might be elderly or facing a terminal diagnosis. This is because, unexpected end-of-life situations can unfortunately happen at any time.

Unfortunately, many people do not have these directives in place, or they misunderstand which document does what. St. Elizabeth Hospice team assists you and your loved ones in completing your advance care directives while navigating difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes.

St. Elizbeth Hospice also provides education to our community members about how to plan ahead. This enables all of us to avoid unnecessary emotional and spiritual suffering during moments of crisis. Check out our frequently asked questions below or attend one of our free Living Will workshops in the community. Let us give you peace of mind!

Attend a Living Will Workshop

A living will is a legal document that allows you to plan for future healthcare needs and it empowers you to choose a Healthcare Surrogate. This document acts as a guide for your healthcare surrogate, your loved ones and your doctors, if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. A Living Will is not the same as a Last Will & Testament. Each state has different requirements for a living will, which is why it is recommended that you complete the documents based on the state in which you live. Check out our upcoming Living Will events to learn more!

Many individuals assume that financial legal documents will enable a loved one to make healthcare decisions in a moment of crisis, which is often not the case. It is important to understand which documents you have and what they do. A Living Will is not the same as a Last Will & Testament:

  • A living will pertains only to healthcare decisions in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself.
  • A last will & testament is a separate legal document that pertains to your estate and finances, after you die.

The benefit of completing a living will, is that it legally identifies a healthcare surrogate and it allows you to outline your wishes for life-sustaining treatment.

A healthcare surrogate is a person that you may identify to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable. A healthcare surrogate only pertains to healthcare decisions while you are still living.

A Financial Power of Attorney or Durable Power of Attorney (POA) are separate legal documents that pertain to your estate and finances, after you die.  Unless the document contains a medical clause, it will not enable your loved one to make your medical decisions.

It is important to review these documents and understand what types of decisions they cover, before an urgent situation arises.

A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) is a type of advance directive in which you name a person to make medical or healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to do so. In some states this directive may also be called a durable power of attorney for health care or a health care proxy.

While an MPOA is similar to a healthcare surrogate, typically the MPOA document does not detail any life sustaining treatment preferences. And even if it does, the legal language can vary from attorney to attorney. The benefit of appointing a healthcare surrogate through a Living Will is

  • The living will details your treatment preferences in end-of-life situations.
  • The language in the living will document is often easier for your loved ones to interpret.
  • The living will document is widely recognized in each state reducing any delays in care that may be caused if a review of the documents is needed by medical professionals when you are in a crisis.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form is a legal document that instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if a patient stops breathing or their heart stops beating. This form will not prevent you from receiving life-saving medical treatment. It only pertains to a situation in which your heart has stopped beating.

  • An original form must be present in order to be honored by medical professionals. It should be easily accessible. If you are in long term care or skilled nursing facility, the document should be kept on your bed or in the room. If you are living in a home or in a hospice facility, the document is prominently displayed where medical team members and your family can easily locate it.
  • A DNR is commonly used in hospice care but it is not a requirement to pursue hospice care.
  • In some states a DNR is called something else. In Indiana as an example, the POST form replaces the DNR form. Click here to learn more about the Indiana POST form.

The acronym for each of these documents can vary by state but they all do the same thing. These documents are medical treatment orders that pertain to life sustaining such as resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, artificially administered food and fluids, antibiotic administration and any other treatments you may wish to provide written details on.

  • Your provider must fill out the form with you. It must be signed by you or your surrogate, and your physician.
  • It can be revoked or changed at any time by you or your healthcare surrogate.
  • It must be reviewed annually, when you are admitted to a hospital or when there is a change in your condition or medical wishes.

Legacy planning helps you examine not only your financial and non-financial goals and concerns but it also focuses on the values, heritage and traditions you wish to leave behind. Legacy planning can be done with your loved ones, and can be a very empowering experience for those who are facing a serious illness. Legacy planning is a gift.

St. Elizabeth Hospice created this worksheet to help our community members begin planning.

More Information

If you would like more information about St. Elizabeth Hospice, or would like to make a referral, please contact us.

Phone: (859) 301-4600
Fax: (859) 301-4601

Location:
483 South Loop Drive
Edgewood, KY 41017

Insurance

Most services provided are covered by Medicare and by health insurance plans that cover hospice care. Our team can answer any specific questions you may have.

Helpful Links

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Call

If you would like more information about the St. Elizabeth Hospice program or would like to make a referral, please contact us: Call (859) 301-4600.