Julie Hodne, RN and Aaron Ahrendsen of EWS Law Firm at MRHC’s Coffee & Conversation: Advance Directives that was held on June 14 at MRHC Carroll Broadcasting
Earlier this month, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) hosted an event to help people understand what advance directives are and the proper way to go about ensuring that their final wishes are honored, even if they can no longer speak for themselves. “Advance directives help you to protect your right to make medical choices that can affect your life,” says Education Coordinator and R.N., Julie Hodne. “They help your family avoid the responsibility and stress of making difficult decisions on your behalf.” The advance directive is a means to protecting a patient’s right to privacy, informed consent and information about their condition if they become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate wishes due to an injury or illness. They can also limit life-prolonging measures when there is little or no chance of recovery and address the patient’s wishes about pain control and comfort care. Everyone working on developing their advance directives is encouraged to let their values be their guide and to share their feelings with family, friends, physicians, religious leaders and legal counsel. Advance directives are most often seen in the form of a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare. Both documents will allow your wishes to be followed for future medical care. Hodne suggests anyone wishing to receive help with developing their own advance directive to contact their attorney, healthcare provider or any hospice, hospital, home health agency or long-term care facility. Forms are also available online and through the Iowa State Bar Association, and can be requested by following the instructions below. Once completed, keep a copy of the signed and witnessed document in a safe place and provide a copy to your physician, your durable power of attorney and to any relatives or friends who may be notified in the event of an emergency. Review this document as needed and make changes as necessary.
Earlier this month, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) hosted an event to help people understand what advance directives are and the proper way to go about ensuring that their final wishes are honored, even if they can no longer speak for themselves. “Advance directives help you to protect your right to make medical choices that can affect your life,” says Education Coordinator and R.N., Julie Hodne. “They help your family avoid the responsibility and stress of making difficult decisions on your behalf.” The advance directive is a means to protecting a patient’s right to privacy, informed consent and information about their condition if they become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate wishes due to an injury or illness. They can also limit life-prolonging measures when there is little or no chance of recovery and address the patient’s wishes about pain control and comfort care. Everyone working on developing their advance directives is encouraged to let their values be their guide and to share their feelings with family, friends, physicians, religious leaders and legal counsel. Advance directives are most often seen in the form of a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare. Both documents will allow your wishes to be followed for future medical care. Hodne suggests anyone wishing to receive help with developing their own advance directive to contact their attorney, healthcare provider or any hospice, hospital, home health agency or long-term care facility. Forms are also available online and through the Iowa State Bar Association, and can be requested by following the instructions below. Once completed, keep a copy of the signed and witnessed document in a safe place and provide a copy to your physician, your durable power of attorney and to any relatives or friends who may be notified in the event of an emergency. Review this document as needed and make changes as necessary.
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