Plan for your future NOW with Advance Directives

• Have you chosen a health care agent?
• Do you know what decisions your health care agent can make?
• Have you completed a Health Care Proxy and does your family know where it is?
• Have you discussed your health care directives with your physician?
• Do you know New York State laws regarding Advance Directives?

Too few of us, at any age, have considered advance care planning that includes Advance Directives (Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Do Not Resuscitate order) that will assure our end-of-life care wishes are followed if we are unable to make necessary decisions for ourselves. Whether incapacitated due to illness, disease, or a tragic accident – who do you want to make decisions for you?

New York State’s Health Care Proxy Law, enacted in 1990, enables individuals to appoint a health care agent, such as a family member, trusted friend or loved one, to make medical decisions on their behalf should they become unable to do so.

Niagara Hospice encourages all adults to learn more about Advance Directives and to choose a Health Care Proxy. A health care proxy is a simple, legal document that specifies the person who is allowed to make decisions about medical treatment and can provide instructions about requesting or stopping treatment, such as decisions about nourishment and water by feeding tubes. Health Care Proxy forms are available at hospitals, most physician offices, HMOs, as well as from the New York State Department of Health.