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Advance Directives
Ask yourself these two important questions:
- Do you know what life sustaining treatments or interventions you would and would not want if you could not speak for yourself?
- Would your loved ones know what you would and would not want?
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a thoughtful process of planning for future medical care at end-of-life, or in the event you should become unable to make your own decisions due to a life-limiting illness or injury. It involves education, reflection, communication and documentation. It is a valuable tool for families as they face difficult decisions about caring for you in your final phase of life or in a life-limiting situation. Studies show that families that engage in the ACP process have less stress, confusion and guilt about their decisions.
10 Steps to Good Advance Care Planning:
- Understand the process (terminology, legalities, current health status, available tools)
- Explore your values, beliefs, cultural perspectives and goals for future medical care
- Appoint a health care surrogate to make decisions for you when you are too sick or hurt to speak for yourself
- Make informed choices about medical treatment options (understanding the benefits and burdens of CPR, ventilators, feeding tubes, antibiotics, etc.)
- Discuss your wishes with your surrogate, family, doctor(s), spiritual advisor and anyone else who may be involved in your care
- Document your wishes in an advance directive
- Execute your document: Sign and date the document and have it witnessed
- If needed, follow-up with doctors, clergy or other professionals to provide additional information or guidance
- Make at least 10 copies to share with your doctor(s), family, and surrogate. Remember to keep a few on hand for admission to a hospital or other health care facility (a photo copy is as legal as the original)
- Review and update your documents periodically, especially after major life events
VIew or print:
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact our individual facilities:
- Mease Countryside Hospital: (727) 725-6351
- Mease Dunedin Hospital: (727) 734-6018
- Morton Plant Hospital: (727) 461– 8045
- Morton Plant North Bay Hospital: (727) 841-4674
- St. Anthony’s Hospital: (727) 825-1103
- St. Joseph’s Hospital: (813) 870-4258
- St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital: (813) 870-4258
- St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital: (813) 870-4258
- St. Joseph’s Hospital-North: (813) 870-4258
- South Florida Baptist Hospital: (813) 757-8325
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