Storing and Sharing Your Advance Directive Documents
Storing and Sharing Your Advance Directive Documents
Just as important as creating an Advance Directive is making sure that other people know that you have them and know where they are located. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are key people who should be told that you have an advance directive and given a copy.- Your agent or proxy and alternate proxy.- Your physician(s) for your medical records- Your family, friends and church clergy- Bring it to the hospital with you Where you store your advance directives can be just as critical as preparing one in the first place. There are many places you can keep copies (or originals) of the documents, but there are a few important factors to consider when deciding where to store:
- They must be portable; they can be available wherever you are in the world.
- They must be available in a timely manner.
- They must be in a safe place, protected from theft, fire, flood or other natural disasters.
According to Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), you should make several photocopies of the completed documents. Keep the original documents in a safe but easily accessible place, and tell others where you put them; you can note on the photocopies the location where the originals are kept.There are services available that will store copies of your documents and can make them available on your behalf. This is a particularly effective way to store your documents to protect against theft, fire, flood or other natural disasters as well as for people who travel. If you use an electronic service, make sure your agent or proxy has access. Below are a few options for this type of service:
Because you might change your advance directive in the future, it’s a good idea to keep track of who receives a copy.Finally, it is suggested that you review your advance care planning decisions from time to time—for example, every 10 years, if not more often. You might want to revise your preferences for care if your situation or your health changes. Or, you might want to make adjustments if you receive a serious diagnosis; if you get married, separated, or divorced; if your spouse dies; or if something happens to your proxy or alternate. If your preferences change, you will want to make sure your doctor, proxy, and family know about them. Image courtesy of krishna arts at FreeDigitalPhotos.net