Advanced Directives

What is an advance directive? All adults can benefit from thinking about what their healthcare choices would be if they are unable to speak for themselves.  These decisions can be written down in an advance directive so that others know what they are.  Advance directives come in two main forms:

• A "healthcare power of attorney" (or "proxy" or "agent" or "surrogate") documents the person you select to be your voice for your healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. (Click here for NC Healthcare Power of Attorney form)
• A "living will" documents what kinds of medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life. (Click here for NC Living Will form)

How can I learn more about advance directives/advance care planning?

The links below explore a variety of resources to help you make, discuss and document future healthcare wishes and decisions. 

• AARP: End-of-Life Planning
• Aging with Dignity: Five Wishes
• American Bar Association: Tool kit for Health Care Advance Planning  
• American Health Lawyers Association: Guide to Legal Issues in Life Limiting Conditions  
• American Hospital Association: Put It In Writing
• Caring Connections: Advance Care Planning; Financial Information; Planning Ahead Checklist; Free Brochures
• Center for Practical Bioethics: Caring Conversations Workbook  

Where can I get an advance directive? Aging With Dignity (Five Wishes)  

The Five Wishes document helps individuals express care options and preferences. The advance directive meets the legal requirements in most states and is available in 20 languages for a nominal fee. Order online or call 850.681.2010.

Caring Connections

Caring Connections offers free, state-specific advance directives for all 50 states and DC that meet the legal requirements for each state.  Download individual copies for free or call 800.658.8898 to have a copy mailed to you. 

Center for Practical Bioethics

Caring Conversations is a free workbook to help individuals and families communicate with each other about their healthcare preferences and contains advance directive documents.  These forms are valid in every state when notarized and signed by two witnesses.  Download for free or call 800.344.3829 to order.  

Project Grace

Project Grace offers a free Advance Care Planning Document that is legally valid in states that do not require forms to be notarized.  Download for free, or call 877.99.GRACE to order a copy.  

National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives

National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives offers general and state-specific information on psychiatric advance directives.

The Will to Live Project

The Will to Live Project  provides state specific forms for designating an agent and stating healthcare wishes. 

Organ Donation Choices: http://www.organdonor.org/ or http://www.donatelife.net/