Page 2 - Advance Directives Proof

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

It is your right to make healthcare decisions and express

end-of-life wishes under the law in Idaho.

We plan for many important Having an Advance Directive is Going through the included
events in life, such as a a gift that you give your family. forms can be confusing and
weddings, vacations, our When our counsellors meet emotional. We want to support
children’s education, and with families and healthcare our community and the patients
retirement. Sadly, health choices decisions need to be made, we serve by providing support
made at the end of life are the families of patients who as they complete these forms.
seldom planned, and many have made these decisions To make these very difficult
times they are made for us. At ahead of time have peace of issues easier to understand, we
Bingham Memorial Hospital, mind and comfort that they have presented the information
we understand that it’s difficult are doing the right thing. in the form of questions and
to contemplate or discuss Rather than believing they are answers. Here’s how to get your
death. But failing to consider imposing a decision upon their affairs in order.
your wishes now could cause loved ones, they are merely
problems later if you have a honoring the decisions that Note: The following information
is not a substitute for legal
serious accident or illness. have already been made. An
Advance Directive gives you advice. While we update the
What would happen to you if the opportunity to record your following information and keep
you couldn’t speak for yourself? feelings about resuscitation, the included forms up-to-date
In those moments, decisions tube feeding, and artificial on a regular basis, changes
about your future may fall to respiration. in the laws can affect how the
the people who rush to your form(s) will operate in the event
bedside. Make their job easier A Living Will is included in the you or a loved one loses the
and ensure your wishes are Advance Directive paperwork ability to make decisions.
respected by leaving them and allows you to choose
a road map. Both Idaho someone you trust to make If you have any questions, you
may speak to a Social Worker
and federal laws give every medical decisions for you if you
competent adult—18 years are not able to make them for or your Healthcare Provider at
Bingham Memorial Hospital, or
or older—the right to make yourself. This person becomes
their own healthcare decisions, your Durable Power of Attorney to an attorney. They can help to
including the right to decide for Healthcare who will speak on guide you in the right direction.
what medical care or treatment your behalf. The document(s) is/
to accept, reject, or discontinue. are then made available to your
The best way to do that? doctor and family so they are
Advance Directives. aware of your intentions in the
event they are needed.

2 Understanding Advanced Directives in Idaho