Advance Directive
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is simply directions that you give to your family and/or doctor regarding the kind of care you want or do not want in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. There are two types of Advance Directives:
- Living Will - A living will allows you to decide specifically what type of life-prolonging treatment you wish to accept or refuse. Life-prolonging treatments are things such as CPR, ventilator, feeding tube, etc.
- Durable Power of Attorney - The Durable Power of Attorney is a document that names who you have appointed to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to make them for yourself.
Both types of Advance Directives only go into effect when you are no longer able to make your wishes known.
Advance Directive Services
The Patient Self-Determination Act, passed in 1990 and put into effect in 1991, requires hospitals and healthcare providers to ask patients if they have advanced directives, and if not, to offer them the information needed to complete one.
If you are a patient of Ellett Memorial Hospital and would like to fill out an Advance Directive, speak to our Social Services Department. Our Social Services Designee will walk you through the form and assist you in any way they can.