An Advance Directive is a legal document outlining your wishes and preferences for your future health care. The Advance Directive has two parts – a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and a Living Will.
In a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, you name someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. This person does not have to be a relative. It should be the person you trust most to carry out your health care decisions. This person is called your healthcare agent, also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPOAH).
A Living Will gives your medical team guidance on the type of care you want at the very end of your life.
Establishing advance directives is strongly encouraged for elderly people or anyone facing a chronic or terminal illness. Anyone over the age of 18 should consider having an advance directive in place as well.
Social Workers at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital can answer questions and help you complete an Advance Directive.
Call the Social Work Department (603) 740-2826 or email SocialWorkServices@wdhospital.org to make a free appointment. The 30-minute appointments are generally made weekdays between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
789 Central Avenue
Dover, New Hampshire 03820
Phone: (603) 742-5252
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