The Washington Post, April 27, 2015
Many seniors — perhaps even a majority of Americans older than 65 — don’t have a living will, also called an advance directive.
“The ramifications of not having one are so severe that it’s bewildering that more people don’t do it,” says Howard Krooks, past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
To read the full article please click here.
“If you have a medical crisis and somebody calls 911, EMTs will come to your house and be on you quickly,” says California geriatric-care manager Linda Fodrini-Johnson. “They won’t read through a long advance directive.” If your health has deteriorated to the point where you don’t want resuscitation, have your doctor sign a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. Keep it where it can be easily found by EMTs — perhaps hanging it near your front door in a clear plastic sleeve.