Establish your health care directive By April Stadtler, Social Work March is National Social Work Month and one job a social worker does is help individuals plan for their future health care. In the state of Minnesota, the law permits each individual to inform others of their health care wishes through a written document called a Health Care Directive. A Health Care Directive has two parts-the first allows you to designate someone (called an "agent") to make health care decisions in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes; the second allows you to write instructions others should follow to make decisions based on your wishes. It is important adults of all ages communicate their wishes about their health care. This is a good way to inform your family members, friends, and health care providers of the type of care you would or wouldn't like and how that care is managed. This helps reduce conflict and assists in making sure your wishes are carried through. When creating a Health Care Directive, there are important things to consider. First, when naming an agent, select someone you trust to carry out your wishes no matter how difficult the decision is. Be sure the person you designate will be an advocate for your interests. This individual should be able to cope with making difficult life and death decisions under stressful situations. Contact the person you want to select as an agent and be sure they are willing to fulfill this role. Second, it is helpful to leave instructions to guide your agent. This will also help others to understand what your wishes, beliefs, and values are, as well as your fears and what you do and don't want. We can never predict what kind of health care decisions need to be made and letting others know how you feel about your health care will assist them in making decisions that respect your wishes. Some of the areas you may want to address in your instructions include: how your religious and spiritual beliefs should influence your care, what quality of life means to you, your feeling about specific medical treatment procedures, wishes for care when dying, your preferences regarding organ donations, and what is most important for others to consider when making health care decisions for you. After completing a Health Care Directive, you should make sure your health care providers have a copy with your medical files. Review them periodically to ensure they are updated with your current wishes. Health Care Directives are available from your health care provider. You can also obtain them from an attorney or by calling the Minnesota Board on Aging (1-800-882-6262). The Social Services Department (320-243-7705) at Paynesville Area Health Care System is available for assistance in filling out a Health Care Directive as well as answering any questions you may have. Return to Newsletter