Page 16 - Advance Directives Proof

Not Sure Where to Start?

Begin by completing a living will. Ask yourself what your goals are? To live as many
days as possible, no matter what? Think about what’s valuable to you and what’s
intolerable in terms of quality of life. You won’t be able to cover every situation, but
consider, for instance, under what circumstances and for how long you would want
to be on a ventilator. The same goes for artificial nutrition and hydration, meaning
nutrients and fluids are given through an IV or a stomach tube. Put all of these
things into your living will.

Next, think long and hard about whom you want to designate as your healthcare
agent. It’s not necessarily the first person you think of—it might not be your spouse
or sibling. You want someone who will step in and say, Why are we doing this? I
don’t think this is what she wanted.

How to Use the Forms Included in this Portfolio

• You may want to photocopy or print a second set of these forms before you start
so you will have a clean copy if you need to start over.
• When you begin to fill out the forms, refer to instruction in each section—they will
guide you through the process.

• Talk with your family, friends, and physicians about your advance directive. Be sure
the person you appoint to make decisions on your behalf understand your wishes.

• Once the form is completed and signed, photocopy the form and give it to the
person(s) you have appointed to make decisions on your behalf, such as your
family, friends, healthcare providers, or faith leaders that that form is available in
the event of an emergency.

• Idaho maintains an Advance Directive Registry. By filing your advance directive
with the registry, your healthcare provider and loved ones may be able to find
a copy of your directive in the event you are unable to provide one. You can
read more about the registry, including instructions on how to file your advance
directive, at: http://www.sos.idaho.gov/hcdr/index.html

Forms Included in this Portfolio

• Idaho Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

• Idaho Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)

16 Understanding Advanced Directives in Idaho