3 Important Medical Documents You Should Know
This post will define 3 important medical documents:
Power of Attorney
Living Will
DNR/DNI Order
People often wait until a hospitalization or life-changing event (like cancer or a dementia diagnosis), before they start thinking of these medical papers.
Create a plan now. Why?
you can make your own healthcare decisions while your memory and language is intact
you have a plan in place if you're ever hospitalized or need to go to a nursing home
your healthcare providers know your medical preferences
your healthcare providers know which caregiver/s to communicate with, in case of an emergency
Power of Attorney (POA)
WHAT: A legally-binding document that allows you to appoint someone to make medical, financial, or personal property decisions on your behalf
WHO: Anyone over 18 years old can become your POA, someone with your best interests in mind
WHEN: You're physically or mentally unable to make your own decisions. Usually due to aging, illness, or disability
Living Will
WHAT: A legal document that states your medical treatment preferences, like bodily donations, palliative care, feeding supplements, and breathing assistance.
WHEN: You're physically or mentally unable to make your own decisions. Usually due to aging, illness, or disability
DNR / DNI Orders (Do not resuscitate, Do not intubate)
WHAT: Usually one-page documents that can be included in your living will or advance directive. A medical order.
WHEN: End-of-life planning or living with high-risk conditions like stroke or cancer
DNR Order: Instructs medical personnel not to rescuscitate you or other procedures in case your heart stops beating
DNI Order: Instructs medical personnel not to place a breathing tube during a life-threatening event
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