Many Ohio organizations, including hospitals, will recognize Ohio Living Wills and Advance Directives Week Oct. 9-15 with educational seminars and informational sessions to ensure adults’ decision-making power over their own lives.
Only 29% of Americans have a living will, a written document that takes effect if a person acquires a terminal condition and is not able to speak for themselves. While a completed health care power of attorney (HCPOA) will appoint a family member or friend to make medical decisions on a person’s behalf if they become unable to do so and tell physicians what medical care to provide, a living will provides written guidelines for physicians, particularly when the person has a terminal condition and cannot speak for themselves, what treatment they want and do not want to receive.
Discussing wishes with family members and completing an advance directive relieves families from the guesswork and potential family disagreement later. More information is available on multiple websites, including:
• Ohio Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
• The American Hospital Association’s Put It In Writing
• The Ohio State Bar Foundation’s Light the Way
• The National Healthcare Decisions Day