Taking The Mystery Out Of Advance Directives

Taking the Mystery out of Advance Directives is a succinct, down-to-earth overview of the documents all families should have in place in the event of incapacitating illness.

In Taking the Mystery out of Advance Directives, Sharon Johnson, BSW, doesn't mince words about the importance of having advance directives in place: "We're all going to die sometime, some of us sooner than others, and everyone should have the opportunity to give their input about the care they want (or don't want) if and when they are considered to be terminal without any possible quality of life."

In this 36-page booklet, Johnson concisely explains the purpose of several documents and the potential problems that can be avoided by completing them well before they're needed. Topics include:

• Overview of advance directives
• Durable powers of attorney for healthcare
• General powers of attorney
• Legal guardianship
• Last will and testament
• Living wills
• Medical treatment plans
• Do not resuscitate orders
• Organ donation

She also includes a helpful glossary, sample documents, and a list of websites for information on advance directives laws in each state.

For families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, it would have been helpful to offer a section on what to do if no advance directives were completed at the time of diagnosis, as well as examples of how advance directives (or lack thereof) might affect how decisions are made at different stages of the disease.

Still, this is a great resource for caregivers and individuals recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's who need to complete or update their advance directives. Johnson emphasizes that it's never too early to complete advance directives, and that everyone -- including caregivers and those with Alzheimer's -- should make their wishes known.