The Purpose of ADVANCED DIRECTIVEs, POLST Form & Power of attorney

Completing legal documents for your healthcare decisions can give peace of mind to you and your family members. The power of attorney allows you to choose who best will honor your choices if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Filling out this form creates conversation and clarity for difficult topics. Clients have an opportunity to express their needs and choose who will be their point person to ensure decisions are made as the client would make them themselves. Most importantly, client has the decision making power regarding their life.

The POLST form is the medical version of the Living Will. The POLST form is more detailed than the Living Will regarding decisions about medical interventions if a person is unconscious. The Living Will outlines your choices from a legal perspective. The POLST, often known as the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) allows you to decline medical interventions to save your life. These interventions include CPR/DNR, artificial nutrition, and even having the option to decline going to the hospital. The POLST represents a shift in the focus of our healthcare system. From saving lives to accepting death.

I will provide the legal forms and assist you with filling them out. It’s important you have an opportunity to ask questions and understand your choices and why. This will give you peace of mind now that your wishes are clear.