Understanding the Advanced Health Care Directive, a Living Will, a POLST, the 5 Wishes Foundation Form and a DNR
It has been three weeks since my beautiful and spicy Aunt Janet passed away. If you have not met her, I would say that you must click here and see the YouTube video where she tries to strike a deal with the crematorium who sent her a card on her 97th birthday! (Be sure to turn up the volume on your computer) She was the funniest and smartest lady I have ever known, I loved her dearly and she will be missed. Because I was with her when she passed (both during the process leading up to and at the moment thereof) I would like to use her passing as an opportunity to help others by explaining the difference between an Advanced Health Care Directive, a Living Will, a POLST, the 5 Wishes Foundation Form and a DNR. She had some of these documents in place and they really worked out exactly as she desired. As you will read, the Advanced Health Care Directive is a useful tool, but research has demonstrated that even when those documents exist, clinicians and health care institutions do not follow them well and family conflict can get in the way of your exit plan. Let's get to it! Advanced Health Care Directive This term has been used since the passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990. This act jettisoned advance directives into hospitals and health care facilities to halt confusion about treatment preferences and surrogate decision-makers. Yet, only about 20% of Americans have advanced directives leaving their loved ones to make the call if they are too sick to do so. An advanced health care directive is a legal document that pertains to a patient's designated proxy decision-maker and/or the patient's treatment preferences. Advance directives are not just for people who are dying. They are tools for individuals who choose to plan for the future. Anyone over the age of 18 should have an AHCD as a parent will no longer be able to advocate for their child in case of an emergency just because they are the individual's parent you must legally be given that power. Click here to read the rest of this article. |
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MY WATCHDOG
Alerting you to the latest SCAMS, Elder Abuse,
and things that are just plain WRONG!
PBS FRONTLINE Special -
Life and Death in Assisted Living
If you missed it, PBS Frontline had a special on assisted living, featuring serious problems at the largest assisted living corporation in the U.S. I wish I could say that I was shocked to see the mistreatment of elderly residents but I would be lying. I wish abuse was limited to just one company, but it isn't. Every case breaks my heart, but sadly, this problem is going to continue until profits take a back seat to providing the care that we expect and need, regulations are implemented across every state, and staffing ratios rise to a sufficient level. A couple of years ago I did a series of articles about assisted living, including what to look for, how they are priced, etc. To find these articles, go to www.susanbgeffen.com/newsletter and click on ARCHIVES. If you want to see the PBS FRONTLINE Special, Click Here
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Companies that have been vetted by me and my staff
In my quest to prevent elder abuse, I have created
Susan's Picks to help you find companies that have a proven track record of integrity and excellent service.
Many more companies have been added since last month and more are being vetted all the time. It takes time to find companies that meet Susan's Picks high standards. Remember to keep checking the site.
Some of the categories do not have a Susan's Picks yet but don't be discouraged. If you know of a company that you believe qualifies as a Susan's Pick, let me know and I will check them out!
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Advanced Health Care Directive, a living will, a POLST, the 5 Wishes
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Raising UP Your Parents
(Click on the blue link to register) Tell your friends!
Susan's Alzheimer's Talk at CareMore
10 am to 11 am 2444 W. Beverly, Montebello, CA
Please RSVP to Nelly Chavez, (562) 743-6315. Free to the public.
Alzheimer's Fundraiser, Susan B Geffen's Dancing For the Memories
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MY WATCHDOG 
Life and Death In Assisted Living
PBS Frontline Special
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Susan's Picks
Find trustworthy service providers quickly and easily, ... vetted by me!
Here are some of the companies that have been personally vetted by me and my staff. Click on the blue links to learn more about them. If there isn't a Susan's Pick in your area, feel free to call me and I will help you find one.
National Sponsor
of Susan B Geffen
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Contact Information:Law and Geriatric Consulting Offices of Susan B Geffen. 819 N. Harbor Drive, #228 Redondo Beach, California 90277 susan@susanbgeffen.comOffice: (310) 406-0608 Fax: (310) 773-9263
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