Older People and the Law: Difference between revisions
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==Advance directives == | ==Advance directives == | ||
In an advance directive you can write instructions to your representative or to your doctor about what kind of health care you want and don’t want if you have a serious medical condition. | In an <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directive you can write instructions to your representative or to your doctor about what kind of health care you want and don’t want if you have a serious medical condition. | ||
Advance directives often deal with end-of-life decisions. Some people use the term "living will" when talking about an advance directive. | Advance directives often deal with end-of-life decisions. Some people use the term "living will" when talking about an <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directive. | ||
Instructions in your advance directive can be: | Instructions in your <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directive can be: | ||
*general statements such as: I don't want to be connected to machines to stay alive, or | *general statements such as: I don't want to be connected to machines to stay alive, or | ||
*specific statements such as: I don't want to receive donated blood. | *specific statements such as: I don't want to receive donated blood. | ||
An advance directive ensures that your wishes are followed even if you are not able to speak for yourself due to an injury or illness. Keep your advance directive updated. For example, there might be improvements in medicine you wish to consider. | An <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directive ensures that your wishes are followed even if you are not able to speak for yourself due to an injury or illness. Keep your <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directive updated. For example, there might be improvements in medicine you wish to consider. | ||
A possible difficulty with advance directives is that your wishes may change over time. Remember to renew and update your advance directive from time to time. | A possible difficulty with <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directives is that your wishes may change over time. Remember to renew and update your <span class="noglossary">advance</span> directive from time to time. | ||
==Protecting yourself and your money == | ==Protecting yourself and your money == | ||