Florida Blue

you need both an advance directive and a surrogate; Photo of woman reading a book

The case of Terri Schiavo underscored the importance of having an advance directive or living will to document your wishes for end-of-life treatment if you cannot articulate those wishes yourself.

But experts say a written advance directive isn’t enough. You also should name a health care surrogate and an alternate. Your surrogate can make sure your advance directive is carried out. In discussions with your doctors, he or she can decide any issues that might not be specifically covered in your advance directive.

To avoid any confusion, Susan Ponder-Stansel, president and CEO of the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc., advises you have candid, frank discussions regarding your wishes with all your family members. And, regardless of your age, have these discussions and complete your documents as soon as possible.

“Telling your surrogate and family members what you want is a loving thing to do because it takes the burden off them,” she says.

Typically, among the issues covered by advance directives are the circumstances under which you would or would not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation and artificial breathing or feeding, as well as treatment to relieve symptoms and pain.

There are many sample advance directives available. Regardless of which form you use, you must sign it in the presence of two witnesses. Then it is your responsibility to notify your doctor of its existence. Florida also recommends that you provide a copy of your advance directive to your doctor and hospital, to be placed with your other medical records.

To designate a health care surrogate and an alternate, you must sign a written document identifying them. This also must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, and you must give an exact copy to your surrogate or surrogates.

Aging With Dignity
www.agingwithdignity.org