Consider the following questions and see which statements express how you think you’d feel if you were near death.

It’s important to me to:

• “Die without pain and suffering”
• “be able to make my own decisions”
• “leave my family with good memories”
• “not burden my family with difficult decisions”
• “act according to my religious beliefs”
• “be with my loved ones at death”

Consider the medical possibilities. Imagine yourself in a coma or unconscious condition, with permanent brain damage or terminally ill.

Then ask yourself which of these statements best describe your feelings:

1. “It is important to me to prolong life, regardless of pain, chances for recovery and cost.”
2. “I prefer to avoid life-prolonging measures if the chance for recovery are not good.”

Discuss your responses with your family and friends, physician, religious leader and your lawyer. Check with your State laws regarding living wills and durable power of attorney for health care. It is always a good idea to have both.

Don’t forget to put your wishes in writing and be specific as possible. Make sure you sign and have them witnessed and notarized. Keep a record in your wallet stating that you have advance directives and where it is located. Give your physician a copy to be kept as part of your medical records. if you use a durable power of attorney for health care, be sure to give a copy to your proxy. Discuss your advance directives with your family, friends, physician and proxy. give copies to a relative or friend who is likely to be notified in the event of an emergency. Inform your physician or proxy if you update or make any changes in your advance directives.

Some common question about advance directives are:

Q. What if i change my mind after I fill out my advance directives?

A. If you are a competent adult, you can always change or cancel your advance directives. In some cases, you may even cancel it verbally.

Q. My relatives has a valid advance directives, can I prevent it from taking effect?

A. No, unless you can prove that the relative is not thinking clearly when he or she created the advance directives.

If you need more information or help in preparing advance directives, you may contact us to refer you to local resources that can assist you.These can include elder attorneys, hospital personnel, hospice, long-term care facilities or home health agencies.

You may also visit www.partnershipforcaring.org or call 1-800-989-9455 for more information about advance directives.

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care will be happy to assist you with any questions about advance directives. RNs are available to answer questions and free in-home care assessment should you require more information on how to stay at home with your wishes. Home care services are available to help you at home with assistance from certified caregivers. We provide services in Sarasota, Manatee and neighboring areas such as Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Lakewood Ranch, and Casey Key.

For more information about maintaining your lifestyle right at home, call (941) 366-0801.