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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2007

Department of Aging Asks: "Do You Have An Advance Directive?"
Simple, Legal Documents Let Care Providers, Family Know Your Preferences

COLUMBUS - This summer the Ohio Department of Aging asks all Ohioans to consider how sure they are that their preferences about emergency and long-term care will be honored if they unexpectedly were unable to decide for themselves. Advance directives are simple, legal documents that will do just that, but only if you take the time to create them before you need them.

"You buy insurance to prepare for moments you hope will never happen. Doing so helps make sure you are financially prepared. Advance directives offer the same peace of mind," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "A simple form communicates your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals if you can't speak for yourself."

A living will describes the types of medical treatments you would or would not want if you were seriously or terminally ill. You can accept or refuse medical care, including the use of dialysis and breathing machines, resuscitation if breathing or heartbeat stops, tube feeding and organ or tissue donation.

A durable power of attorney names someone to make health care decisions for you and becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions for yourself. A durable power of attorney is generally more useful than a living will, but only if you have someone you trust to make these decisions for you. Make sure they know you've given them this responsibility.

A Do-Not-Resuscitate order allows a person to refuse, in advance, any effort to resuscitate in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. Without such an order, health care providers are obligated to take all measures possible to save you.

"People think advance directives are only for those who are seriously or terminally ill," said Riley. "However, even if you are in good health, an accident or serious illness can happen suddenly. Even if you are just going into the hospital for a simple outpatient procedure, staff will ask if you have a living will."

Advance directive forms and more information can be found on the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's Web site. Contact your own legal counsel to review and make sure your directives are understood exactly as you intended. Contact the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman toll-free at 1-800-282-1206 to be referred to a legal service in your area that specializes in elder law.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.