An advance directive is a legally binding document regulated by state laws. Advance directives are subject to The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA), 1990, a federal law that encourages individuals ...

Most people do not want to think about death and dying -- so they don't. Until they have to. Unfortunately, that often means that families are left struggling with difficult decisions about important ...

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, particularly when it comes to their future health problems, and what could happen in the event they are unable to make their own health care decisions ...

Dear Savvy Senior: All this horrible coronavirus carnage got me thinking about my own end-of-life decisions if I were to get sick. Can you recommend some good resources that can help me create a ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a significant loss of life, often far sooner than individuals and families expected for their loved ones. This past year has raised conversations on health ...

Five minutes. That is all I had to make my case: to convince this 80-year-old man to fill out an advanced care directive. John, as I’ll call him, had served in the military for over thirty years, ...

As North Carolina slowly opens up after the first wave of coronavirus, it is a wise time to discuss the wishes of frail elders in the event they contract it in a second wave. Geriatrician Leslie ...

An advance directive is a way to tell your loved ones and doctors your wishes if something happens and you can’t speak for yourself. A directive can include the type and extent of your medical care.

Health care advance directives communicate what actions should be taken if you’re too ill to speak for yourself. These legal documents inform family, caregivers and health care professionals how you ...

While it's important to be prepared when it comes to personal health, preparing for every potential illness or medical crisis is impossible. But, sharing your preferences regarding care options and ...

The best gift you can give the people you love is an honest and unflinching discussion about death and end-of-life choices. It's not something you want to talk about or they want to hear. That's what ...

Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . Both clinicians and patients more often utilized advance directives that were more “readable, understandable, ...