HONOLULU (HI Now) - If someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, they may want to consider making an Advance Health Care Directive as soon as possible.
A diagnosis by itself does not necessarily mean that the person is unable to execute a legal document. They may have windows of capacity where they are able to understand the nature of the document and be able to fill it out and sign it.
An Advance Health Care Directive is a medical power of attorney where you name “Agents” who can make medical decisions for you if you are ever unable to make them yourself. The document also allows the person you appoint as your Agent to choose your doctors, your health care providers, and even your care givers. Your agent can discharge you from one medical facility and move you to another medical facility. Without this document, if the patient can not communicate that they want to be discharged, they may be stuck at that facility until someone goes to court and gets appointed as the patient’s legal guardian.
For more information email Kristin Lambert Bryant at KristinBryantEsq@aol.com
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