When you mention the term advance directives to most people, they automatically think about end-of-life documents in the event you become unable to speak for yourself, and the two most popular are the living will and medical power of attorney. These instructions are usually spelled out in a prepared document but they can also be oral in some states. Each state is responsible for determining the use of advance directive documents, and how they are regulated differs from state to state. Some states offer pre approved living will documents, so check with your individual state agency if you have any questions. Additionally many hospitals and agencies dealing with aging populations have these forms.
Most of the discussion of advance directives will center on the living will and the health care power of attorney, but in this section we will also consider how to make your financial wishes known as well, so we will discuss wills, living trusts and probate, and power of attorney. This discussion will be at a layman’s level and you should always consult an attorney familiar with elder issues to formulate your own plan for dealing with any long-term care issues. I certainly am not a lawyer and make no claims as to any expertise in any legal area. Discussion of these topics are meant to stimulate you to plan ahead for your long-term care plan with the hope that this will make planning for your ultimate death easier, which is always the aim of this web site.
In addition, I will not directly address issues dealing with assisted suicide and hastened death issues. These are adequately covered by the Death With Dignity movement and any decisions in this area are so individualistic that I fell inadequate to discuss them. Instead I refer you to: www.partnershipforcaring.org
