These are forms that all you to express your healthcare and end-of-life wishes and give you a way to ensure those wishes are carried out. The State of Illinois has three Advanced Directive forms:
All of these forms are available through the Pastoral Care office.
What is a Living Will?
A Living Will states that when a person has an incurable, irreversible condition where death is imminent, family and physicians should not prolong the dying process, but should provide comfort care. In Illinois, you can be put on life support if the criteria described above are not met – even if you have a Living Will.
What is Power of Attorney for Healthcare?
The Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows a person to appoint someone to make their healthcare choices when they are incapacitated. The form also includes a section where you can provide general and specific guidelines that should be followed while carrying out your wishes.
Will these forms be honored elsewhere?
The forms used by St. Elizabeth's Hospital are valid anywhere in the State of Illinois. While there is no guarantee that healthcare facilities outside of Illinois will honor them, in most cases they will.