Make your future healthcare decisions known to family, friends and healthcare providers. The issues related to medical care and quality of life, particularly in cases of terminal illness or injury, is a topic not easily discussed, but encouraged in light of the advanced medical technology that is available today to sustain life.
A growing number of people are deciding to take an active role by discussing their wishes with family, friends, and healthcare providers before they become seriously ill. Eastern Long Island Hospital is joining the national effort to provide education and awareness on Advance Directives. Advance Directives are a written statement of instruction in a form recognized by individual state law that addresses the provision of health care in the event you become unable to speak for yourself or make decisions. Forms of advanced directive vary from state to state, but they typically include the living will and the health care proxy.
The New York State Health Care Proxy Law allows you to name a person or health care agent who is over 18, that you trust to make decisions related to your medical care. Choosing your health care agent involves having an open discussion with the identified person regarding various types of treatment preferences. This can include types of life support, care during terminal illness, initiation or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration, and organ and tissue donation. Your agent is authorized to make care decisions based on these previously discussed wishes.
In times of crisis, health care providers often look to family for guidance related to treatment options. Advance directives can provide clarification on the types of treatment you would or would not want. An alternate care agent can be named if the person is unable, unwilling, or unavailable to act. The health care proxy form also requires the signature of two witnesses who declare that you are of sound mind and acting on your own free will. After completing a Health Care Proxy From, it is important to give a copy to your identified agent, your physician, your attorney, and any other close family members or friends. It is also recommended that you keep a copy in your wallet or in another easily accessible location. A New York State Health Care Proxy does not require a lawyer or a notary to complete.
Completing an advance directive does not mean you are giving up control or choice. As long as a person is able to make decisions, they remain in control of their healthcare choices. In addition, it is easy to cancel your Health Care Proxy, to change your identified agent, or to change your instructions. You simply have to fill out a new form and request all the existing copies of the old one be discarded. A proxy will then remain in effect indefinitely unless you identify an expiration date or specific conditions under which it will expire.
These forms can be easily obtained via the Internet by going to New York State Department of Health, site contents, and clicking on the forms tab. This will bring you to free, printable information and forms.
Juliet Frodella is Director of Geriatrics and Mental Health Integration at Eastern Long Island Hospital.
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