Healthcare Rights
Making the Most of Your Healthcare Rights
By: Carla Rodriguez, RN, C, CHPN
The Healthcare Advocacy Ministry has received numerous calls lately to inquire about living wills. As part of our mission we want to provide healthcare information that is important to you. We also strive to make you aware of existing resources available in our community to help meet your needs.
Recently as we have watched the unfolding events in the news, most of us would admit we’ve asked ourselves; “What if that were me facing a serious illness or injury? Would I want extraordinary measures in those circumstances?” The answers to these questions are very personal. And, as with all major decisions, should be prayerfully considered in light of God’s Word. None of us has control over if or when serious illness or injury might occur. However you do have the legal right to express your wishes, in advance, so that if anything were to happen to you, no one will have to guess what you would have wanted.
Fortunately, there is an easy to understand advanced directive document called FIVE WISHES. This is a legal document recognized in most states including Florida. This document is special because it goes beyond the traditional living will to ensure that not only your decisions, but also your values and dignity are maintained.
Wish One - Is a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare. It identifies who you would like to make decisions for you about your healthcare if you are not able to make decisions yourself. This person would advocate for you to make sure your wishes were followed.
Wish Two – Is the Living Will. This is where you state exactly what type of treatments and life-support measures you want or don’t want in specific circumstances.
Wish Three – Addresses what comfort measures you want to control your pain and symptoms.
Wish Four – Talks about how you want others to treat you.
Wish Five – Gives you the opportunity to leave messages for your family and friends-times to remember, thoughts and feelings, and your hopes for them.
Thinking about these matters can be difficult, but completing this document is one of the most important gifts you can leave to your loved ones. It will give them great peace of mind by freeing them of having to make difficult decisions in a time of crisis.
This document is provided as a community service by Hospice of Palm Beach County, Inc. You can request your complimentary copy at www.hpbc.com/index.cfm/go/five_wishes or call 1-800-245-9150. This is also available in Spanish.
