Nurses and Advance Directives

[jemride]

Hello to all,

I have been thinking a lot about the Teri Schiavo case. As I am sure a lot of have been. Although I would like to get an advance directive, I am clueless about how to get this done. I have looked around online and most of the services I have found seem sketchy to me. I was wondering if anyone here could enlighten me? How does one go about getting an advance directive and is there a website/service that you recommend? I have also heard that this process can be expensive but I think that was in regards to a living will or trust, which by the way, I am not sure how it differs from an advance directive. As you can see I am fairly ignorant about all this stuff. I would like to start educating myself so that I can share this with my patients and friends in the future.

Thank you all for any input.

Jemride

[begalli]

Try Nolo. They are a reputable business that deals with legal forms and information.

This link is a place for you to start learning your options.

Once you read what your options are, go to the bookstore and take a look at this book.

Writing your Will and planning your Estate may cost some money because more than likely you will want the assistance of an attorney, but creating a Medical Advance Directive or a Healthcare Power of Attorney can be very inexpensive or even free. I would recommend something like that book if you plan to do it on your own (which is VERY doable).

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Check out discussion and links here:

Do you have a living will?

[begalli]

Also, and specifically for the state of California, you can find information and forms at any one of these websites (just picked up these websites off my local news):

Office of the Attorney General of the State of California

California Medical Association

AARP

[begalli]

Do you have a living will?

Thanks Karen! I didn't notice this thread before.