If your loved one would like to prepare advance medical directives, a Cleveland Clinic ombudsman or a social worker can provide information and/or forms for the following:
- Living Will: This document must be in writing and either be notarized or witnessed by two non-blood-related people. It provides instructions about a patient’s wishes regarding withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining
medical care in the event the person no longer is able to express such wishes.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document designates another person – usually a caregiver or friend – to make medical decisions on another person’s behalf.
- Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR): This document prohibits the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient stops breathing or the person’s heart stops beating.
Some of these forms also may be requested or downloaded from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at 800.658.8898 or caringinfo.org.
