It's a matter of....The Advance Health Care Directive Act

(Image courtey of www.davidsreport.com)

I realize that we traditionally focus on Food Storage, and I have been meaning to post more about other issues as well.  Today, we are going to talk about Advance Health Care Directives.  These are  very important things to have addressed before you are in a position to need them.  Here is some information directly from the Utah Commission on Aging:

An Advance Health Care Directive (also known as an “Advance Directive”) is a form that helps others give you the care you would want when you cannot make decisions. The first part of the form lets you name your health care agent. The second part of the form tells others how to make end-of-life care decisions for you. Other names for parts of the form are “Special Power of Attorney for Health Care,” “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care,” or “Living Will.”

You can benefit from having an Advance Directive at any age. You could have an accident or get sick. You might live with a mental or physical illness that leaves you without the ability to make decisions at times. Without an Advance Directive, those making decisions for you may not know what you want. Worse still, your family and friends could argue over the care you should get. Or they could disagree about who gets to make decisions for you. Help your family and friends to help you: name an agent and tell your agent and family about your health care wishes.

This document if for anyone at any age.  This is an important document that is very simple to complete.  It will require that you consider who you wish to serve as your Agent in the event that you are not in a position to make decisions for yourself.

 

Here are several links to help you complete this important document.  Remember to keep it with your important papers and in the event of an emergency, take it with you.....just like you would your 72 hour kit.

 
Instructions

  Toolkit

Advance Directive Form

Advance Directive Fill-in On-Line Form

Provider Guide

Take a few moments today and talk with your family.  Make these decisions when you are not under pressure to do so.  Give yourself and your family the "Peace of Mind" that you all will need in times of health care emergencies.