Have You Completed Your Advance Directive Yet?

The much-publicized Terry Schiavo case brought end-of-life issues to the forefront of America's consciousness. If you were unable to communicate your wishes about your health care, what would happen to you?

It's so important for every adult to have an advance directive in place, says Jan King, RN, a parish nurse with Alton Memorial Hospital.

The basic documents:

• Advance Directives -- Written statements you make in advance about your future medical treatment decisions; includes a health-care power of attorney
• A Health-Care Power of Attorney -- A document you sign that names another person -- your agent -- to make health-care decisions for you if you're unable to do so
• A Living Will -- A document you sign that states that you do not want your physician to use death-delaying procedures if you develop a terminal condition

A living will takes effect only if you have a terminal illness and cannot speak for yourself. It addresses only decisions about life-sustaining treatment. A health-care power of attorney is broader and more flexible. Your agent can make health-care decisions for you in any situation when you're unable to do so. A health-care power of attorney overrides a living will in most cases.

"Unless you make your wishes known through an advance directive, it can get very complicated," King says. "Complete an advance directive even if you're young because you don't know what might happen. It's not expensive and no attorney is needed. As long as the advance directive is witnessed by two people and notarized, it's valid, even if it's written on a piece of notebook paper."

King emphasizes that even with an advance directive it's important to discuss your wishes with your family and make sure they know where a copy of the advance directive is kept.