Vol.2.4 February 2006 

Living Wills - NOT Just for Seniors!

February may be Heart Month, but a heart attack can happen anytime - and with little or no warning. Experts agree that the best preparation is to know the signs of a heart attack and learn CPR. Visit www.heartandstroke.ca for more information.

Heart attacks and other types of life-threatening illnesses can occur at any age. Being prepared is vital to getting the care that you need and want…but there is one vital preparation that many of us overlook.

In case of a serious, life-threatening event – whether injury or illness – a written Health and Personal Care Directive , sometimes known as a “living will”, outlines your wishes about medical treatment in the event that you cannot express them. It includes your instructions and identifies who will speak on your behalf.

Anyone over the age of 18 can complete a personal directive, and it can be made with or without the assistance of a lawyer.

Here are the steps to putting a directive in place:

1. Research the information that applies to your province. 

In Alberta, contact your local Office of the Public Guardian. Call toll-free 310-0000 or visit  http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/opg/persdir/index.asp  For answers to frequently asked questions and for information about other provinces, visit http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/wills/

2. Discuss your options with your family doctor.
3. Inform your family/friends about your wishes.
4. Decide who will speak on your behalf – and get their consent.
5. Write the directive yourself or seek help from a lawyer.
6. Provide copies to your family, your lawyer, your physician, and the person acting on your behalf.

Your directive becomes a legal document once it is signed, dated, and witnessed. Resolve to get started today – for your own sake and your family’s!

Vol.2, No. 4 

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