|
As a VA patient you have a say in the health care you receive. When you become ill or injured, your doctor will explain what treatment options are available for your condition so you can decide which option is best for you. There may come a time when you are unable to decide or tell us what you want with regards to your treatment. You have the opportunity now to make some decisions ahead of time. You can tell us in writing about the kind of care you would want if you cannot speak for yourself. This is done through an advance directive.
An advance directive is a written document that explains the health care you want to receive if you cannot or choose not to make your own decisions. There are two kinds of advance directives: durable power of attorney and a living will.
return to top
What is a durable power of attorney for health care?
This form lets you name the person you trust to make health care decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself—your “health care agent.” He or she will have the legal right to make health care decisions for you. You can choose any adult to be your agent. It’s best to choose someone you trust, who knows you well and who knows your values. You should make sure the person is willing to serve as your agent. If you don’t choose an agent, your doctor will choose someone to make decisions for you in the following order: legal guardian (if you have one), spouse, adult child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or a close friend. Your health care team, or a court, will make decisions for you in accordance with VA policy if none of the above is available.
return to top
What is a living will?
A living will is a legal form that states what kinds of treatments you would or wouldn’t want if you become ill and can’t decide for yourself. It can help your health care agent and your doctor make decisions the way you want them to. Writing down what kind of treatment you would or wouldn’t want can help make it easier for those who are asked to make decisions for you. Talk with your family, your health care agent, and your doctor about your wishes so they won’t have to wonder what you want and if they’re doing the right thing. If you don’t have a living will, decisions will be made for you based on what is known about you in general and about your values. That’s why it’s important to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, your doctors, and your health care team.
return to top
It should be someone you trust — a spouse, parent, adult child, friend, or other family member. Whoever it is, you should talk to them about your concerns and wishes and what kind of treatments you would want or not want. You and your health care agent cannot know all of the questions that might arise in the future, so you'll want your health care agent to know what you value most in life and how this reflects on the type of care you would choose for yourself.
return to top
Should I have an advance directive?
Yes, it’s a good idea to have one. An advance directive helps protect your right to make your own choices. It helps make sure people respect your values and wishes if you can’t speak for yourself. Your advance directive is used only when you aren’t able to make decisions yourself.
return to top
If you can no longer make decisions about your health care, your doctor will ask your next of kin, family, and friends what they believe you would want. These decisions are not easy to make. They can cause great stress in families that have not taken the time to discuss these matters ahead of time.
return to top
How do I complete an advance directive?
You should see a Chaplain or Social Worker to assist you in preparing an advance directive. Just ask any of your providers as to where you should go. If the advance directive is prepared in the Kansas City VAMC, it will be immediately scanned into your medical records and paper copies will be provided to you and your health care agent (s). If you bring your advance directive to the Kansas City VAMC, it will have to be taken to medical records in order to be scanned in your records.
return to top
Our medical center has resources to help you write your advance directive. These include the Patient Learning Center located in room 1490 in the main lobby. You can also ask for our medical center's advance directive policy and procedures.
return to top
Yes, you may change or cancel your advance directive at any time. In fact, you should review your advance directive periodically, especially if there is a change in your health, to make sure it’s up to date. If you change it, be sure to tell your health care team and have them put it in your health record. Share your new directive with your family members and other loved ones
return to top
An advance directive is only effective if it is shared with those who need to know. It must be part of your medical record. Make and give copies to the following parties —
- your doctor(s)
- your proxy
- anyone concerned with your health care
Don't forget to make a copy for your own records.
return to top
|
