Saturday 31 January 2009

Patient Advocate

Mama and I years ago filled out "Patient Advocate" forms. Basically that form tells an attending physician who can make medical decisions in your behalf if you are not able to do so. We obtained the forms from our family doctor, followed the instructions, and have them on file, and have given copies to our designees. The forms in Michigan, are free and do not require a legal rep to sign them.

In the body of the form you indicate what kind of care you want such as life support decisions. Your designee then instructs the medical profession of your instructions.

I have three questions for you to answer in your comments.

1. Do you have Patient Advocate designee's ?
2. If not, when are you planning to do it?
3. Last question, do you have questions?

Friends of mine just lost a 39 year old son unexpectedly to a heart attack. No, you are not too young to die or to young to do this.

14 comments:

Peter Olson said...

I do have a Living Will, Patient Advocate, and a Durable Powers of Attorney. All veryt important documents I agree. A hospital can help you put them togeter. Check with the social worker.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Peter - I agree - Thanks for your input!

Unknown said...

papa, we dont have one.

wow. not a very good feeling right now too as brent and i are getting ready to fly to nashville tomorrow morning.

sigh.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - have a great trip to Nashville - Have a great week. Just do papa a favor, when you see your family doc the next time - talk to him about the patient advocate forms.
Papa loves you!

CrossView said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friends' loss! =/

Indian Lake Papa said...

CRossview - my friends actually had to break into his apartment and found him dead on a couch. Fortunately, he had all his legal matters in order. They had no idea he even had heart problems. We never know - mama and I have our funeral arrangements even done. K can sing "I'll Fly Away!"

"A Small Gift, but Well-Timed" said...

Hi Papa,
I miss you sooooo much! Jonathan and I got all of those fun things taken care of, just last summer because Roxx insisted. I'm sure glad we did because it has given us so much peace of mind.

Thanks for your sweet messages on my blog. I sure we wish we were at your house right now. I'm sick of the cold.

Love you. Tell mama and grandma I love them too!

Edwina at The Picket Fence said...

We actually do have a living will and I can tell you from experience with my Mom who just passed away, they are a great to thing to have not only for the person but the family. It helps when emotions are running high.

rk said...

Yes, we do.

But, after helping with Grandma's house I am realizing how important it is to be organized and fine tune things now and then. Raised great discussion between the MR. and I. Just so you know I am going to be healthy till I am 105, and then I am going to eat as many powdered sugar doughnuts, Twizzlers, Oreos, popcorn, Cheetoes, and so on as I want. With out feeling guilty. Finally! He, he. :0)

I LOVE YOU!!!

R

rk said...

PS:

I am so so so sorry about your loss. My heart is with you and Mama. I think this may be the person you shared with me. I will continue to pray. Breaks my heart, but our Lord will help.

You are not alone.

xoxox,
R

Anonymous said...

I have named my goddaughter as the guardian of my person, which I spoke to her about, and made sure she was comfortable with, before I completed the documents.

My neices are my only remaining family.

I have documented what I want done as clearly as I can.

I agree Papa, it is impotant to have that discussion with your loved ones, and to document your guidance in writing.

Indian Lake Papa said...

BEth - been busy all day! Miss you very much. GLad to hear from you.

Edwina - your right - emotions can run high. It is wise to take as much of the grief out as possible ahead of time.

Roxx - good girl! I would expect you to have this taken care of.

Ed - I sometimes work hard to get my ducks in a row, but this is important.

Kimberly McKay said...

You're right! No one is immune to death at any age. My husband and I really need to do this. Yikes...

Indian Lake Papa said...

Kim- especially with small children - do not leave that to chance. We got your book yesterday. Mama is finishing up 2 library books and then will get on it!