We have to face facts: any one of us could get hit by a truck or have some sort of medical crisis tomorrow, and be injured to such an extent that we cannot express our wishes. Many people think that an Advance Directive for Healthcare is just for the elderly, but everyone who has reached the age of legal adulthood and is mentally competent should have an Advance Directive. Just think about this: will your family know your wishes, if you’re not in a position to speak or communicate? Modern advances in medical technology mean that doctors may be able to extend your life, if you are seriously ill or injured, for a long time. What quality of life do you want? Do you want to be tube-fed if you are in a coma? Do you want to be kept alive on a respirator? Perhaps the answer to these questions is “yes” or perhaps “no”, but these are decisions you should make now, while you are able. In some states, including New Hampshire, it is against the law for a physician to withhold or withdraw artificially-supplied nutrition and fluids, unless the patient has previously written instructions permitting doctors to do so.

Q. I’m a very busy person and I don’t have time to deal with this. And anyway, I don’t have the money to pay a lawyer to draw up these documents.

A. Carol VanderTuin, Grace Cottage’s social worker, will help anyone fill out an Advance Directive, at no cost. You don’t need to be a Vermont resident (although different states may require different forms for their residents), nor a Grace Cottage patient. Call Carol at 365-7920 x150 to set up an appointment.

Q. How do I know what documents I need to have?

A. The Vermont Ethics Network has prepared a free, five-part form that can be used by anyone. The five parts ask you to:

1. Name someone as your “agent” to make health care decisions for you. Choose someone you trust, and someone who will be comfortable making what may be hard decisions. They should know you well. Discuss your wishes with your agent, who will not be able to make decisions for you until you can no longer make them for yourself.
2. State treatment wishes. Choices are provided for you on the form.
3. Express your wishes about organ or tissue donation.
4. Express your wishes about autopsy and funeral arrangements.
5. Signatures. You will need to sign and date the form in the presence of two witnesses, who may not be your agent, spouse, heirs, health care provider, or anyone to whom you owe money.

A. Carol VanderTuin will make copies of the completed and witnessed forms that have been signed. One copy each should be given to your agent (and alternative agents, if any), your doctor, your family members, and to any health care facility where you are likely to receive care; keep several copies for yourself. Write a list of those who have received the forms, in case you want to make changes in the future.

Q. When should I do this?

A. Now is the time to leave instructions for your medical care in the event that, one day (perhaps tomorrow?), you are unable to express your own choices.