Patient Family Guide to Advance Directives
This guide provides essential information about advance directives, including health care proxies and living wills. It aims to help patients express their medical treatment wishes. Understand the importance of having these documents in place for future health care decisions.
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How do I fill this out?
To fill out this form, first review the instructions carefully. Next, select a trusted individual to act as your health care proxy. Finally, ensure that your preferences are clearly outlined in the living will declaration.
How to fill out the Patient Family Guide to Advance Directives?
1
Review the health care proxy and living will sections carefully.
2
Choose a trusted individual to act as your health care proxy.
3
Fill out the health care proxy section with their information.
4
Specify your preferences in the living will declaration.
5
Sign and date the forms and keep copies for your records.
Who needs the Patient Family Guide to Advance Directives?
1
Elderly individuals who may require end-of-life care.
2
Patients with serious health conditions need to express their treatment preferences.
3
Individuals undergoing major surgeries should make their wishes known beforehand.
4
Family members of patients who may not be able to communicate their decisions.
5
Anyone wanting to ensure their health care preferences are honored.
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What are the instructions for submitting this form?
To submit your advance directives, download the completed forms and fax them to 617-732-6500. Alternatively, you can email scanned copies to carecoordination@bwh.harvard.edu. Ensure that you keep physical copies for your records and discuss your directives with your healthcare proxy.
What are the important dates for this form in 2024 and 2025?
Key dates for submitting advance directives will vary. Generally, it is advisable to review and update your forms annually or whenever your health status or preferences change. Important deadlines to be aware of could include any up-coming surgery dates or hospital admissions.
What is the purpose of this form?
The primary purpose of this form is to provide individuals with a means to communicate their health care preferences in a legally binding manner. It empowers patients to express their wishes concerning medical treatment, should they be unable to communicate those wishes themselves. Having an advance directive ensures that your choices are respected and followed by healthcare professionals, leading to improved patient satisfaction and peace of mind.
Tell me about this form and its components and fields line-by-line.
- 1. Health Care Proxy: This section allows you to appoint an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf.
- 2. Living Will Declaration: This section outlines your preferences for medical care in situations where you cannot express your wishes.
What happens if I fail to submit this form?
If you fail to submit this form, your medical treatment preferences may remain unknown, leaving your healthcare decisions to providers. This could result in treatments that do not align with your wishes or values.
- Unclear Medical Directives: Without the form, healthcare providers may follow standard procedures that do not reflect your preferences.
- Increased Burdens on Family: Family members may face difficult decisions without guidance from your advance directives.
- Potential for Unwanted Treatments: You may receive medical interventions that you would have otherwise declined.
How do I know when to use this form?
- 1. During Hospital Admissions: Use the form to clarify your wishes before any hospital stay.
- 2. Before Major Surgeries: It is essential to document your preferences prior to undergoing significant medical procedures.
- 3. In the Event of a Terminal Illness: This form provides a framework for expressing end-of-life preferences.
Frequently Asked Question
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate.
How do I fill out the health care proxy?
You need to designate someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.
What is a living will?
A living will specifies your wishes regarding medical treatments if you are terminally ill.
Can I change my advance directive?
Yes, you can update or revoke your advance directives at any time.
Who should have copies of my advance directive?
Your health care proxy, family members, and health care providers should all have copies.
Is there a fee for this service?
Using PrintFriendly to edit and download PDFs is free.
Can I share my PDF with my health care provider?
Yes, once edited, you can easily share your PDF via email.
What happens if I don’t fill out these forms?
Without advance directives, medical decisions may be made by providers without your preferences being known.
How long is this form valid?
Advance directives remain valid until revoked or replaced by a new document.
Are there instructions for submitting this form online?
Detailed instructions for submitting your form are included on the PrintFriendly platform.
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