Community resources: - Christiana Care Health System

Advance directivesOnly you have the right to decide what is best for your life. This section is about making plans beforeyou get sick.What is an advance directive?An advance directive is a written document you complete before serious illness. This document statesyour choices for health care and/or names someone to make choices for you if you becomeunconscious or too ill to make decisions about your medical treatment. The best time to write anadvance directive is when you are feeling well and can discuss your wishes with family, friends andclergy.How do I write an advance directive?Advance directives can be written in two ways:Individual instructions (formerly known as living will)This written statement tells your family or health care provider what kind of medical care you want(or do not want) if you are unable to speak for yourself. It is called a living will because it is goodwhile you are still living.Power of attorney for health careThis is a document that names another person you trust to speak for you. This person, known asyour agent, will talk to your doctors about what medical care you want if you are too sick to speakfor yourself.How do I make individual instructions?To make individual instructions you must:Be at least 18 years old and competent to make health care decisionsIndicate in general terms what procedures or treatment you do or do not want including the use ofa ventilator to breathe for you or feeding by tube, etc. It is a good idea to discuss these optionswith your doctor or clergy before choosing.Note: Individual instructions stating your preference to refuse life support or to remove life supportare only effective if you have a qualifying condition which is a terminal illness or permanentunconsciousness.Use the individual instructions form (available from the Delaware Division of Services for Agingand Adults with Physical Disabilities) or other forms that meet Delaware law. A lawyer can createthe documents, but is not necessary.Give copies of the document to your doctors, family and clergy. Also, remember to bring a copyof your instructions with you when you are hospitalized. Keep the original copy in a safe place athome, not locked in a safe-deposit box that would be difficult for your family to retrieve.7