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What Are Advance Directives?
Advance Directives are legal documents that allow you to give direction to medical personnel, family and friends concerning your future care when you cannot speak for yourself or are unable to make your own decisions. You do not need a lawyer in order to complete advance directives.
Living Will:
is document outlines the treatment you would like to receive at the end
of life. is includes your wishes about CPR if your heart stops beating, a ventilator if you stop breathing or a feeding tube or IV if you cannot eat
or drink.
Power Of Attorney For Healthcare:
is document names the person you
have chosen to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make
them for yourself.
e Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) gives you the right to have one or more persons act as your representative
to make decisions about the uses and sharing of health information about you. You can limit the amount of information that the authorized representative can decide about and you can cancel this at any time. We encourage you to seek further information about your
own Advance Directives if
they have not already been prepared.
Advance Directive Forms:
Your Advance Directives should be discussed with your family, your advocate and your doctor and be
made part of your medical record. Fill out your forms and bring copies with you
every time
you come
to the
hospital.
Questions?
Ask your nurse or advocate to contact Ext. 1234 for more information.
For more information on downloading advance directives forms go to: caringinfo.org
For The Caregiver
As a caregiver, you may feel over- whelmed at times. These tips may make the care giving process easier and help you get the support 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 more you know, the less anxiety you’ll feel and the more e ective you’ll be. Make a list of tasks required: medications, treatments, meals, doctor appointments, etc.
Know Your Limits
Be realistic about how much of your time and commitment you can give and set clear limits. You may need help from friends and family members, as well as health professionals. Ask for help.
Seek Out Support
Seek support from other caregivers, support groups, a therapist, counselor, family, friends or your place of worship. Nurture close relationships; don’t let yourself become isolated.
Use Community Services
ere are services to help caregivers
in most communities including adult
day care centers, home health aides, home-delivered meals, respite care, transportation services and skilled nursing.
Long Distance Care
If you are managing a loved one’s care from 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 be updated via phone or email.
• Find local services that o er home help services, meal delivery or local transportation for your loved one.
• Schedule regular communication 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.
For more information and resources visit: caregiver.org, eldercare.gov or archrespite.org
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Take Time For Yourself
• Relax daily and take breaks
• Pray, meditate, or do another
activity that makes you feel part of
something greater.
• Watch out for signs of depression
and anxiety, and get professional
help if needed.
• Don’t give up activities that are
important to you such as a hobby.
• Exercise, eat right and keep up with
your own healthcare.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR THE CAREGIVER