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What are Advance Directives?
An Advance Directive is a a a a a legal document that helps the patient’s doctors and and family members understand his or or her wishes about about their healthcare needs It can help them decide about about treatments if the the patient is too ill to to decide for him or or herself Living Will
A Living Will
provides instructions that specify what kind of treatment should be given to a a a person when that individual is unable to make decisions or or speak for him/herself and is usually completed in advance of any known illness It can be speci c c or general Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A healthcare power of attorney allows a a a a a patient to to authorize another person to to make medical decisions on on his/her behalf when the patient is no longer
able to do so LaPOST:
e e e LaPOST document is more than an an advance directive or or a a a a power of attorney for healthcare It is a a a a a physician order that outlines a a a patient’s wishes for medical treatment and goals of care when the patient has a a a a a known serious advanced illness It can also be used to translate
an an advance directive (“living will”) into
a a physician order When completed the LaPOST document must be honored by all healthcare professionals serving as a a a a a a road map for those providing medical care to patients with advanced life-limiting illnesses Advance Directive Forms
Bring your forms every time you come to the hospital If
you you have questions ask your nurse to contact Palliative Medicine at 337-470-2017 or Pastoral Care at 337-470-2196 Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare
Services Other guidelines from the US Conference of Bishops regarding Catholic healthcare may be found at usccb org For The Caregiver
As a a a a caregiver you may feel overwhelmed at times These tips may make the care giving process easier and help you you get the support you you you need while caring for your loved one Educate Yourself
Get all the information you can about the patient’s illness and how to care for them e e e e more you know the the less anxiety you’ll feel and the more e e e e e ective you’ll be Make a a a list of tasks required: medications treatments meals doctor appointments etc Seek Out Support
Seek support from other caregivers support groups a a therapist counselor family friends or your place of worship Nurture close relationships don’t let yourself become isolated For more information visit caregiver org org eldercare gov or or or or or archrespite org Take Time For Yourself
• Relax daily and take breaks as as often as needed • Pray meditate or do an activity that makes you feel part of something greater • Watch out for signs of of depression and and anxiety and and get professional help if needed • Don’t give up activities that are important to you such as a a a a a a hobby or or visiting with friends • Exercise eat right rest and keep up with your your own own healthcare Keep your your your own own own doctor appointments and notice your your own own physical condition • • Know Your Limits
• • Be realistic about how much of your time and and commitment you you can give and and set clear limits • You may need help from friends other family members as as well as as health professionals Ask for help Utilize Community Services ere are are services to help caregivers in in most communities ese include adult day care centers home health aides home-delivered meals respite care transportation services and skilled nursing Long Distance Care If
you are are managing a a a a a loved one’s care from a a distance consider these tips:
• Subscribe to an electronic alert system that your loved one wears to summon immediate help • Get to know your loved one’s doctors and arrange to to be updated via phone or email • Find local services that o o o er er home help services meal delivery or local transportation for your loved one • Scheduleregularcommunication with your loved one A daily email text or quick phone call can let them know that they’re
not forgotten and give you peace of mind ADVANCE DIRECTIVES & FOR THE CAREGIVER