What each document covers - These forms aim to ensure that your wishes on how to live out your final days are fulfilled

This post came out from The New Paper (10 July 2014)

Advance Care Planning
Made by: Anyone, regardless of age or health
What it is: Enables people to know what your treatment preferences are in a medical crisis, if you cannot speak for yourself. This empowers them to make decisions for you, although it is not a legal document and can be revoked verbally.
Who it involves: Your substitute decision makers, and an ACP facilitator, who is usually a doctor, nurse or medical social worker.

Advance Medical Directive
Made by: Any person aged 21 years and above who is not suffering from a mental disorder.
What it is: A legal document which you sign in advance to inform your doctor that you do not want any life-sustaining treatment used to prolong your life in the event you are terminally ill and unconscious, where death is imminent.
Who it involves: It is activated only when a panel of three doctors certifies that you are terminally ill. It does not have to involve your loved ones, who may not fully understand the reasons for your decision.

Lasting Power of Attorney
Made by: A person who is 21 years old and above
What it is: The appointment of one or more persons, called a donee, to act and make decisions on your behalf should you lose your mental capacity.
Who it involves: Donees are empowered to act in two areas: personal welfare, as well as property and financial affairs. It does not give them the authority to make life-sustaining treatment decisions on your behalf.

Thoughts:

1. Have you start planning yet? Good to know more about these! It can alleviate any stressors that your caregiver might experience too.  

Thoughts anyone?

Yours,

Something Small Thinking Big