Let's face
it, going to the hospital can be a little frightening. But there are ways to prepare yourself and
your loved ones. A little bit of
preparation can make the experience better for everyone: you, your family, and
the hospital staff.
- Make
sure that your healthcare power of attorney is up-to-date. This document names the person (or
persons) you would like to make medical decisions for you if you can't do
so. Review this document
periodically to make sure your choice(s) is still valid.
- Review
your Living Will. This document
states your desires regarding treatments you would (or would not) want to
receive in the hospital if you cannot make these decisions yourself. Your living will is an important resource
for your healthcare power of attorney should he/she need to make decisions
about your care.
- Make
your decision about organ donation and document it. If you would like to donate your organs
at the time of your passing, make that decision now and put it in
writing. One organ donor can save up
to 8 lives and the need far exceeds the supply.
- Talk
to your loved ones about your healthcare choices: who you've named as your healthcare power
of attorney, what your medical wishes are, and whether you want to be an
organ donor. The more they know in
advance, the easier it will be for them if they ever have to step in.
- Carry
your DocuBank wallet card. Our firm
provides this card because we know that immediate access to your emergency
information and healthcare directives is important. Make sure that your card is next to your
driver's license in your wallet at all times.
- Update the emergency information you store with DocuBank. This includes your allergies and medical conditions that display on your Emergency Card and can help with your emergency treatment. Also update your doctor's and emergency contacts' names and phone numbers.
