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Is This How You Want To Die?
Watch the videos below to learn about the importance of having end of life directives.
Advance Directives are never something adults of any age want to contemplate. We would all love to live our lives as if they will never end, and none of us will ever be in a situation where things like Advance Directives and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) come into play. However, there is no certainty in life, and failing to plan for the end of yours can have devastating consequences.
What Happens Without End of Life Directives?
This video is an emotional and graphic depiction of what can happen if you find yourself or a loved one without an Advance Directive and/or MOLST.
The shocking reality of how you could die if you don’t have an Advance Directive and a Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form
Unfortunately, what we think someone would want is not always what they actually want. It’s easy to assume that someone with a full, rich life would want the greatest measures possible to save it, but without an advance life directive, you can never know if the decision you make for someone else is appropriate. You will also never be able to make sure that your wishes are carried out when you are incapacitated.
Maryland’s Advance Directive Process
You should always start by talking with your nurse practitioner or doctor about what you can expect in the future. It’s helpful to talk to others, like a social worker, nurse or chaplain, about the end of life. It’s important to convey to your family and other loved ones what medical treatments you do or do not want. Every person has the right to make the decisions that are in his or her best interests, and you can agree or disagree with the treatments that are recommended to you.
An Advance Directive is a written, electronic document or oral directive that appoints a health care agent to make health care decisions – and/or – states the patient’s wishes about medical treatments when the patient no longer has capacity to make decisions (living will). Advance Directives require two witnesses and are located on-line.
Access the free Advance Directive form below:
http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Health%20Policy%20Documents/adirective.pdf
The Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form is reviewed with the patient by a physician or nurse practitioner to make your wishes formally known to healthcare providers. It has numerous sections, and you only need to complete the sections that relate to the decisions you have made about your preferences. Any time a MOLST form is completed for you, you will get a copy for your records. As long as you do not have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order on your MOLST, emergency medics in Maryland are required by law to attempt resuscitation. Access the free Maryland MOLST form here.
Planning for End of Life
Finally, the video below offers fantastic insight into the importance of thinking about and defining your end of life wishes. When you tell doctors to “do everything” in their power to save your life, make sure you understand what that means.
Plan for the Future with Senior Care Lifestyles
At Senior Care Lifestyles, we specialize in facilitating the connection between seniors and the right in-home care, assisted living and senior living communities. We have assisted hundreds of families with finding effective and affordable solutions for loved ones. Get in touch today by calling 410-977-3718.
