Living Wills and Advance Directives

Advance directives are the easiest and most lasting way to ensure your end-of-life healthcare wishes are known and carried out. These articles will help you create clear instructions about what you want.

Advance Directives: What You Need to Know

An advance directive gives information to healthcare providers about the care you want if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself. It comprises two parts: a living will and a medical power of attorney.

7 Tips for Improving Your Advance Directive

If you have an advance directive, great—you’re among about 26 percent of Americans who do. Here are tips for making it even better.

Advance Directives for Patients with Alzheimer's

ADs are of particular importance for persons with dementia, because nearly all dementias are progressive. Here's how the patient can get his or her wishes in writing before it's too late.

Advance Directives for Patients with Cancer

If desired, a cancer patient's doctor can sign a Do Not Leave Home (DNLH) order that tells an emergency medical technician to not take the patient to the hospital or emergency department.

Advance Directives for Patients with COPD

The overarching guideline to an advance directive is the patient’s goals of care. Goals of care change as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reveals itself.

Infographic: The End of Life is Never Certain. Your Wishes Should be

One of the most important gifts you can give to your family is information about your end-of-life care wishes. This infographic can help you understand the significance.

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How VITAS Can Help

With 40 years of leadership in hospice and palliative care, VITAS offers:

Personalized care plans by patient's diagnosis
Interdisciplinary care teams
Therapy, emotional and pastoral support
Grief and bereavement services

Call VITAS to learn how we can help you.

Call VITAS at 800.582.9533

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