The answer to the question is NOW... and MAKE A PLAN for all
eventualities and possible emergencies, which includes not only food and
water, but also "documents." In addition to trust, will, durable
financial power of attorney (POA), there must be a medical power of
attorney or directive (the four principal document essentials). The
Advanced Health Care Directive should be on file with the primary care
physician, the hospital, and in personal files. I also have a copy
attached to my refrigerator with a magnet... just in case an ambulance
team might need ready access to my wishes. All my personal medical files
are in an A-Z system in the Estate Documents Organizer records book
under Healthcare so my daughter and sole heir has immediate and legal
authorization to honor my wishes in a critical moment or at the end of
life. (She will also have the location of all other financial and legal
documents, passwords, pet information and all bank, credit cards and
property records - at her fingertips!)
A personal story inspired me to take precautionary steps to prevent
stress, chaos, and time issues for my daughter and other family members.
Years ago, a dear friend attempted suicide and was in a death coma for
several days. Her mother and sister "discovered" an executed Directive
or "Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)" form in her desk and they were able to
carry out her wishes and avoid years of medical treatment with no hope
of recovery. Her mother told me, with great relief, that she was able to
let her daughter go with peace and dignity. She so appreciated what her
daughter had done to spare her family more trauma... in the devastating
circumstances of taking her own life. My friend was 35 years old at the
time!
My hospital told me about this form - or I would not have known where to
find the form or how to complete it. Do you know the importance of this
form - or that it exists? Do you have a properly executed Advance
Health Care Directive (living will) - on file, known to your family
members and physican? If not, I urge you to do so as soon as possible.
Go online to find the form or see your physician or hospital to obtain a
copy. Be sure it is filled out and signed correctly. Give yourself and
your family "the gift of order and peace of mind."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7454572
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