Advance Directive

Every adult should have an advance directive — an oral or written instruction prepared in advance that details your medical care wishes in the event you become unable to make decisions for yourself. The following are several examples of Advance Directives.

Types of Advance Directives

A medical power of attorney (healthcare proxy directive/durable power of attorney) allows you to designate a person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This document goes into effect when your physician declares you unable to make your own medical decisions. This includes decisions about end-of-life care and other medical situations.

A living will (instruction directive) is a set of written instructions that spells out in advance what medical treatment you accept or refuse and the circumstances under which you want your wishes implemented. This document is considered legal as soon as you sign it and goes into effect when you are no longer able to make your own decisions.

Five Wishes is a legal document written in everyday language that helps you express your health care wishes. Five Wishes goes above-and-beyond the medical power of attorney and living will forms because it explores your spiritual and emotional healthcare wishes as well. Samaritan offers free copies of Five Wishes to the community. If you would like a copy, ask your hospice team or call Samaritan at (856) 596-1600.

POLST (practitioners orders for life-sustaining treatment) is a medical order for seriously ill or frail individuals. The medical orders on this form give clear instructions to emergency personnel about whether you want CPR and whether you want to go to the hospital or remain where you are. The form must be signed by a physician or advance practice nurse (APN).

Samaritan recommends that if you choose to exercise your right to have an advance directive/living will, you share this document with your physician, family members, and health care professionals who are caring for you. We will keep a copy of your advance directive on file with your medical record.

You may change or revoke your advance directive at any time. Again, it is important these changes be shared with Samaritan so your wishes may be honored.