Five Wishes, according to Wikipedia, is a national advance directive created by the non-profit organization Aging with Dignity. It has been described as the "living will with a heart and soul."
It seems to be a perfect solution. Basically it gives you everything you would want in an advance directive, and then some. It initially started in 1996 in Florida, and is now accepted in 40 states. It is a combination of a living will and a health care power of attorney.
Wish 1: The Person I Want To Make Health Care Decisions For Me When I Can't
This section is an assignment of a health care agent (also called proxy, surrogate, representative or health care power of attorney). This person makes medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Wish 2: The Kind of Medical Treatment I Want or Don't Want
This section is a living will--a definition of what life support treatment means to you, and when you would and would not want it.
Wish 3: How Comfortable I Want To Be
This section addresses matters of comfort care--what type of pain management you would like, personal grooming and bathing instructions, and whether you would like to know about options for hospice care, among others.
Wish 4: How I Want People To Treat Me
This section speaks to personal matters, such as whether you would like to be at home, whether you would like someone to pray at your bedside, among others.
Wish 5: What I Want My Loves Ones To Know
This section deals with matters of forgiveness, how you wish to be remembered and final wishes regarding funeral or memorial plans.
In looking at the document it does something that I am really impressed with. It is written with the assumption that you want as much done in your final days as is possible. And if there are items in the document that you don't agree with, then you cross them out. I like this because it doesn't leave you with the idea that you might have missed something, not covered all the things that you thought you might, overlooked something. It gives you the opportunity to explore ideas with yourself, and with your family.
There is a charge for Five Wishes, and it is available through the Aging With Dignity website. The price is certainly affordable at $5.00.
The document tells you which states it is legal in, and gives you the proper instructions for legally acceptable signing procedures. I highly recommend this document, if not for you to have and use, but at least to take a look at!
Dear Capndeb: Thank you for the kind words about Five Wishes, the closest thing there is in America to a national advance directive. You may wish to learn more by going to www.agingwithdignity.org. From there you may order Five Wishes (they're only $1 each in quantities of 25 or more)and other support resources. Good luck with your blog! -- Paul Malley, President, Aging with Dignity
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words Paul. I believe that these are things that we all need to consider, and MY wish is that conversations are started...
ReplyDeleteI'm 15 years old. I was born with HIV my mother passed away because of the HIV infection And I regret why i never met Dr Itua he could have cured my mum for me because as a single mother it was very hard for my mother I came across Dr itua healing words online about how he cure different disease in different races diseases like HIV/Aids Herpes,Parkison,Asthma,Copd,Epilepsy,Shingles,Cold Sore,Infertility, Chronic Fatigues Syndrome,Fibromyalgia,Love Spell,Prostate Cancer,Weak Erection,Breast Enlargment,Penis Enlargment,Hpv,Diabetes Hepatitis even Cancer I was so excited but frighten at same time because I haven't come across such thing article online then I contacted Dr Itua on Mail drituaherbalcenter@gmail.com I also chat with him on what's app +2348149277967 he tells me how it works then I tell him I want to proceed I paid him so swiftly Colorado post office I receive my herbal medicine within 4/5 working days he gave me guild lines to follow and here am I living healthy again can imagine how god use men to manifest his works am I writing in all articles online to spread the god work of Dr Itua Herbal Medicine,He's a Great Man.
ReplyDelete