Walking the Talk: Maximizing Advance Directives

Thinking, reflecting, talking - these are the essential first steps in planning for end-of-life treatment choices and care. But documenting choices and clearly stating your goals are also very important. Sometimes well-meaning doctors will "ignore" advance directives because they simply aren't clear or appropriate to the circumstances. Although none of us has a crystal ball, there are ways to improve the likelihood of your wishes being known and followed. This session will describe each of the advance directive documents and processes for Colorado - the Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney, CPR Directive, and the Health Care Proxy process: what they are, what they do and don't do. how to use them, and what can go wrong. We will also cover some brand new developments on the advance directive scene and how these may help - or hinder - the advance care planning process.