Advanced 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 end-of-life decisions. Too often this results in family conflict, fear, or confusion at a time when we are most vulnerable.

Take the time today to name someone to speak for you when you can no longer speak for yourself and to reflect with that person about your values and preferences in receiving health care.

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, simpy complete a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare document, and then have it notarized.  Blank documents are available at Skagit Valley Hospital through nurses, case managers and social workers. Notary services are also available on site.

At Skagit Valley Hospital, additional resources are available for patients, families, and staff to encourage meaningful discussion about receiving care and naming a medical power of attorney. The Spiritual Care and Social Work Departments recommend that individuals attend one of the Five Wishes classes presented by Hospice of the Northwest to learn more about living wills. Five Wishes is a living will that includes your personal, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as your medical wishes. Five Wishes documents are available in printed form in various languages. Click here to learn more about the Five Wishes classes.

Additional resources are available at www.putitinwriting.org and www.caringinfo.org.