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Care
Planning


 

Talking about end-of-life care can be difficult for your loved one. How one is treated, cared for and final plans can be full of emotions and strong opinions.



END-OF-LIFE

Establishing A Directive


Advanced care planning will assist you with legally defining your end-of-life wishes, avert crises and ease the burden of decision-making for all parties involved.



DNR Orders


There’s no right answer concerning DNR orders. Some people may never be ready to forego CPR and will have this noted in their medical records. Others see a DNR order in their chart as assurance they will die a natural death when the time comes. Still, others don’t make a decision, leaving it up to distraught family members to decide in a crisis situation, but we can assist with clarifying these objectives.

Having advance directives in place takes the burden of making this and other crucial end-of-life decisions easier on everyone involved.



Advance Directives


An advance directive is a document that gives information to healthcare providers about the care you want if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself. This document comprises two parts: a living will and a medical power of attorney.

Advance directive documents are legally recognized in every state, although each state has established its own parameters for the use of these tools.



Living Will


A living will define your wishes about medical treatments and what should or should not be done if you are no longer able to express your treatment preferences. But without a medical power of attorney established, a living will fail to provide the flexibility of a proxy who can make decisions on your behalf.


Power of Attorney


The durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions allows you to name a proxy representative who will speak for your values and wishes if you are not able to speak for yourself because of illness, injury, or debilitation. You should appoint a trusted family member or close friend who is mentally and emotionally capable of making healthcare decisions on your behalf, and who understands your preferences and values.


California Advanced Directive
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