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There may come a time when you are unable to decide or tell us what you want with regards to your treatment. You have the opportunity now to make some decisions ahead of time. You can tell is in writing about the kind of care you would want if you cannot speak for yourself. This is done through an advance directive.
An Advance Directive is a written document explaining the healthcare you want to receive if you cannot or choose not to make your own decisions. There are two kinds of advance directives —
- A living will lets you state in advance what kind of care you would want or not want if there comes a time when you cannot make these decisions for yourself.
- A durable power of attorney for healthcare is used to appoint a person you trust to make healthcare decisions for you when you cannot or choose not to make your own decisions. This person is called a proxy or health care agent.
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It should be someone you trust — a spouse, parent, adult child, friend, or other family member. Whoever it is, you should discuss with them your concerns, wishes, and the type of treatments you would want or not want. You and your proxy cannot know all of the questions that might arise in the future, so you'll want your proxy to know what you value most in life and how this reflects on the type of care you would choose for yourself.
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If you can no longer make decisions about your healthcare, your doctor will ask your next-of-kin, family, and friends what they believe you would want. These decisions are not easy to make. They can cause great stress in families that have not taken the time to discuss these matters ahead of time.
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Outpatients may ask our Social/Community-based Services staff to assist them in completing an Advance Directive. Inpatients can contact their social worker, nurse, or doctor and state they would like to complete an Advance Directive; Psychology Service staff will go to the patient’s bedside to assist with the completion.
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Our medical center has resources to assist you in writing your Advance Directive. These include brochures and video programs on the VA Television Network and in the Patient Education Center. You can also ask for our medical center's Advance Directive policy and procedures.
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Yes, but only by you. You may change or cancel it at any time. You can do this by simply telling your doctor, but it is best to write a new Advance Directive. Be sure to tell your proxy and others concerned with your healthcare.
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An Advance Directive is only effective if it is shared with those who need to know. It must be part of your medical record. Make and give copies to the following parties —
- your doctor(s)
- your proxy
- anyone concerned with your healthcare who can make sure a copy is in your medical record.
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