Advance Directives and Living Wills

We are usually reluctant to talk about our medical wishes until we’re faced with serious illness, injury or the need to make endof-life decisions. Too often this results in family conflict, fear or confusion at a time when we are most vulnerable. Having the right documents in place is helpful to you, your family and your care team.

An Advance Directive is a written statement documenting your wishes about the type of care you want and will be used if you are unconscious or unable to speak or communicate for yourself.

A Living Will provides instructions to caregivers about specific medical treatment you would like or would refuse as part of your care plan, if you are no longer able to express informed consent. At Skagit Regional Health, additional resources are available for patients, families and staff to encourage meaningful discussion about receiving care and naming a medical power of attorney.

Additional resources are available through the American Hospital

A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that names a person who can advocate and act on your behalf in making healthcare decisions, in the event you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

To make these decisions:

1. Think about what is important to you. 2. Share your thoughts with your family and physician. 3. Name the person you trust to be your durable power of attorney.

To do this, simply complete a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare document and then have it notarized. Blank documents are available at Skagit Regional Health facilities through nurses, case managers and social workers. Notary services are also available on site.

Association (www.aha.org/2017-1211-put-it-in-writing); the Washington State Medical Association (wsma.

org/advance-directives) or www.caringinfo.org.