Have The Conversation.
We can’t control everything about our death. But if we communicate effectively, we make it more likely that our wishes for the end of life will be known and respected. Simply completing an advance directive does not ensure it will be respected. Recent studies indicate the single most powerful thing a person can do to improve the chance for gentle dying is --- simply and courageously --- to talk about it.
Effective communication with those who will be called upon to make decisions on our behalf is key to the likelihood that our wishes are carried out. Compassion & Choices offers a Good to Go Toolkit and Good To Go Resource Guide that help you define your priorities, understand who you need to talk with and come up with ideas on how to get the conversation rolling. We've also provided state-specific advance directives free of charge, available for downloading.
It is never too early to get started.
Good to Go Resource Guide
A 16-page introduction to end-of-life planning with ideas, inspiration, information and answers.
Good to Go Toolkit
The Good to Go Toolkit includes worksheets, forms and more, along with helpful instructions for filling out these forms.
State Specific Advance Directive/Living Will »
Living wills/advance directives are actually a set of documents - a living will/advance directive and a medical durable power of attorney. Advance Directives are state-specific and are not included in the Good to Go Toolkit.
Download your state-approved advanced directive and tips for completing the forms here.
In addition...
you may choose to download and complete one or more of the below forms by clicking on the below links.
Sectarian Health Care Directive
The language in this addendum clarifies that admission to a religiously-affiliated facility does not imply consent to particular care mandated by the institution’s religious policies, and directs a transfer if the facility declines to follow the wishes outlined in an advance directive.
Values Worksheet
This worksheet includes questions you may want to consider as you make decisions and prepare documents concerning your healthcare preferences.
Dementia Provision
Includes language that can be added to any Advance Directive or Living Will to advise physicians and family of the wishes of a patient with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.
My Particular Wishes
This form is meant to inform your physician, nurse or other care provider of your consent or refusal of certain specific therapies.
Hospital Visitation Form
Unmarried partners may need prior hospital visitation authorization from their partner.
A Letter To My Doctor
Find out if your Doctor will respect your end-of-life wishes now - before it is too late.
Play the game.
How well have you communicated your end-of-life wishes to the important people in your life? Play the Healthcare Decisions Game and find out! First, print the Quiz for You and answer all the questions. Then, print or send the Quiz for Family, Physician or Healthcare Agent and see if others can match your answers. Give a copy to everyone who should know -- you may be surprised at how they score!