Partners in Home Care encourages all individuals, regardless of age, to consider one's wishes in the event of an unexpected accident or medical emergency. Advanced directives are legal documents that provide family members and medical professionals with health care directions in the event that you are unable to communicate those wishes. A little advance planning can save family members the distress associated with making crucial medical decisions. Following are explanations of three basic types of advanced directives used in Montana.
Living Will for Health Care (My Choices/Montana End-of-Life Registry)
A living will for health care is different than a financial living will. Its purpose is to make clear to family members and medical professionals what your wishes are in the event that you cannot communicate on your own. The My Choices document is easy to complete, and will let family members know important information, such as whether you want a feeding tube or artificial hydration. The My Choices document also designates your durable power of attorney for health care.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Your durable power of attorney (DPOA) is charged with making health care decisions for you in the event that you are unable to make them yourself. The My Choices document contains a section to make this designation. A medical durable power of attorney is different from a financial durable power of attorney.
Comfort One
Montanans have the opportunity and the right to limit the care received in a medical emergency. Designed for the person not in the hospital, Comfort One provides on the spot identification to rescuers that you do not want to be resuscitated. You will be provided only comfort care and be allowed to die in the natural course of your illness.
Links to Documents:
Living Will for Health Care
Comfort One
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