Advance Medical Directive Checkup

By Randall K. Barton
Former President/CEO

AG Financial Solutions , Foundation Trust and Investment Services
1661 N. Boonville Avenue
Suite D
Springfield , MO 65803
Phone: 417-865-4880
Fax: 417-865-5141

In light of the controversy surrounding the Terry Schaivo case, every senior should make sure they have considered the following:

1. Living Will

It is important to consider signing a living will (natural death directive) that provides direction in the event you are in a condition where death is imminent because of an incurable illness, disease, or injury or if you are in a permanent unconscious vegetative state—even where death may not be imminent.

2. Power of Attorney for Health Care

Recognizing that circumstances, health conditions, and medical advances make it impossible to anticipate every circumstance, it is critical to give a health care proxy (durable power of attorney for health care) to a third party (spouse, friend, or family member) to make health care decisions for you in the event you are incapacitated and cannot provide direction yourself.

3. Nutrition and Hydration

Give clear direction in your living will or power of attorney for health care regarding nutrition and hydration. Many Christians consider the withdrawal of nutrition or hydration as never being appropriate since these are a natural means of preserving life and are not medical treatment. Others feel that if the body can no longer naturally assimilate nutrition, then natural death without forced feeding is appropriate.

4. Types of Medical Treatment

Provide direction in your advance medical directive on the types of medical treatment you do not want or want withdrawn including antibiotics, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, dialysis, invasive surgery, and the use of ventilators.

Most importantly, as Christians, we should resolve all ambiguity in this difficult and controversial area of decision-making in support of affirming life.