Special to Iredell Free News

Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County offers Advance Health Care Directive preparation to the community free of charge. Below is important information about Advance Healthcare Directives.

What are Advance Health Care Directives?

Advance Health Care Directives are documents that clearly state your wishes regarding medical care. They consist of a series of forms that allow you to express your wishes in case you are unable to communicate them yourself.

Why is it important to complete Advance Health Care Directives now?

It is important to complete your directives while you are healthy, so you can make your wishes known and ensure they are honored. Often, families wait until a crisis situation to complete these forms. Waiting can cause confusion and stress for your loved ones during what can already be a difficult time.

Things to Consider

1. Who would you want to speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself?
2. What are your thoughts on artificial nutrition, hydration, and other life-prolonging measures?
3. Complete the Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and/or the Five Wishes Booklet.
4. All three documents must be notarized and signed in front of witnesses.
5. Notify your Health Care Power of Attorney of their responsibilities.
6. Distribute copies of the forms to your physician and loved ones. Keep the original in a place that is easy to find.

How Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County can Help

Hospice staff can work with you one-on-one or with your entire family. You can schedule an appointment by calling the office and asking to speak to an Advance Directive Specialist. As a nonprofit agency, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County offers Advanced Directive services at no charge. Call 704-873-4719 for more information.