Letting Your Loved Ones Know What You Want
Advance Directives, sometimes called living wills, are important to complete in order to document your wishes for medical treatments at the end of life. This can also be a good time for discussion and conversation with your loved ones about your wishes for what you want to happen after you die.
There are many excellent resources for completing your Advance Directives, either on your own or with assistance.
There are many excellent resources for completing your Advance Directives, either on your own or with assistance.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW:
Be aware that some states require that you use their state-specific forms to be considered legally binding. In fact, some states have legislation that states whether your advance directives will be honored and under what conditions. Be sure to check that the instrument you use is approved for your state, and that it is fully executed by witness or notary, whichever is required.
What is often missing in Advance Directives is information that informs the funeral period itself. Often people mistakenly believe that their healthcare proxy will have authority to make funeral arrangements. The fact is that DPOAH powers cease at death, and next-of-kin then becomes the legal authority with all the powers needed to determine funeral arrangements. To make sure you have the documentation necessary to guide those families members, the NHFA has developed a guide and workbook specifically for home funeral families.
- Caring Connection, caringinfo.org
- The Conversation Project, conversationproject.org
- Workbook by the Threshold Care Circle, My Final Wishes
- Five Wishes workbook, Aging With Dignity
- Good End of Life, Good End of Life, TED video
Be aware that some states require that you use their state-specific forms to be considered legally binding. In fact, some states have legislation that states whether your advance directives will be honored and under what conditions. Be sure to check that the instrument you use is approved for your state, and that it is fully executed by witness or notary, whichever is required.
What is often missing in Advance Directives is information that informs the funeral period itself. Often people mistakenly believe that their healthcare proxy will have authority to make funeral arrangements. The fact is that DPOAH powers cease at death, and next-of-kin then becomes the legal authority with all the powers needed to determine funeral arrangements. To make sure you have the documentation necessary to guide those families members, the NHFA has developed a guide and workbook specifically for home funeral families.
Don't shy away from having the conversation with anyone affected by your choices!
Graveside Service, courtesy of Sarah Brink, Foxfield Preserve
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