Advanced Directives WAS Re: Nurses and Tatoos

[Linda Flemmer <bluewolfranch@yahoo.com>]

Teddy,

Any hospital social worker can help you prepare and
Advanced Directive.  There is normally a preprinted
form that lets you state any restrictions or special
wishes that you may have about your care and who is to
handle your legal affairs if you are debilitated. It
is then witnessed and notarized.

Some states separate the information into a "Living
Will/Medical Power of Attorney" and "Legal Power of
Attorney".  Other states combine the two into an
"Advanced Directive".

Hospitals are REQUIRED to ask if you have such a
directive when you are admitted (assuming you or your
family can respond).  If you have one, they will put
it on file until you revoke it or change it.  If you
don't have one & you wish one, they are REQUIRED to
assist you in completing one.

If you ever change your mind, you can change or
rescind any or all of the directive at any time.

Remember - Do Not Resuscitate is NOT THE SAME as Do
Not Treat the patient!!!  

My father-in-law almost died after a mistake in open
heart surgery last year.  He had no power of attorney
or advanced directive, and he was comatose for nearly
3 months.  Our family had to make horrible life &
death decisions not really knowing what he wanted. 
DISCUSS THIS with your families!  He had no legal
power of attorney established.  Let me tell you, it
was long & convoluted process for Mike (my husband) to
obtain power of attorney to do things like pay bills,
prepare & pay taxes, etc.  Mike still has nightmares
about some of the horrible decisions he had to make
for his Dad.  Fortunately, all turned out as well as
can be expected.  Dad is home now, learning how to
walk again.

Linda Flemmer, RN
Blue Wolf Ranch
Bruceton Mills, WV

--- Teddy Lancaster <teddy@runningbear.com> wrote:
> Where can you obtain one?  PLEASE do not say a
> lawyer!!!!
> 
> Teddy
> 
> Celia Krall wrote:
> 
> > Medical Durable Power of Attorney.  We should all
> have one.  Should have
> > one for the money stuff too, but definitely, write
> down your wishes and
> > intentions regarding stuff like feeding tubes. 
> Today.  Especially if you
> > don't choose to wear a helmet.
> >
> > ----------
> > > From: diane knapper <knaptyme@uswest.net>
> > > To: Spencer <spencer@inu.net>
> > > Cc: Ridecamp <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> > > Subject: RC:   Nurses and Tatoos-slightly long,
> but if we need to think
> > about this!!
> > > Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 7:18 PM
> > >
> > > Congrats for a very brave post.  I agree with
> everything you
> > > said.  More people should think about what
> happens, when.
> > > If I'm involved in a car accident and my heart
> stops, I want
> > > them to try everything to revive me...however,
> if I've got
> > > terminal cancer and my heart stops...then just
> please leave
> > > me alone and let me die in peace!!!!!
> > >
> > > Diane
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
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> >
> >
>
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> > Information, Policy, Disclaimer:
> http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp
> >
>
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> 
> --
> Teddy Lancaster
> American Endurance Ride Conference # 139422
> - Member since 1974
> 6000+ career miles
> 
> ================================================
> Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;
> Courage is also what it takes to sit down and
> listen.
> 
> -- Winston Churchill
> ================================================
> 
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> 
> 
>
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> Information, Policy, Disclaimer:
> http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
>
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> 
> 
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