Advance Directives
The term advance directives describes two types of legal documents that enable you to plan and communicate your end of life issues in the event you are unable to communicate.
A living will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
A medical power of attorney allows you to appoint the person of your choosing, as your health care agent, who is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Living wills and medical powers of attorney are valuable tools to help communicate wishes for 
future medical care. Thoughtfully prepared advance directives can ease the burden on those who must make healthcare decisions for us.
Advance directives identify who you wish to speak for you and make decisions if you become unable to speak for yourself as the result of an accident or illness. Without advance directives, decisions might not be made by people who know you or your wishes. Advance directives serve as your voice in decisions about your medical treatment, even if you are unconscious or too ill to communicate.
Advance directives are legally valid throughout the United States, however the laws governing advance directives vary from state to state, so it is important that you complete and sign the advance directives that comply with your state’s law. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offer downlaods of each states Advance Directives,
CLICK HERE to go to their page.
