The Terry Schiavo case was a tragic example of what may happen if a person does not spell out their wishes regarding medical care in the event of a debilitating accident or illness.
Senior Law Service has prepared forms and information about how to complete an Advance Directive so that you can make known your wishes about end-of-life care and so that you can decide what care you will and will not receive.
Every Oregonian has the right to make health care decisions in advance and to appoint health care representatives. It is important to make your preferences known long before illness strikes and regardless of your age. Terry Schiavo was only in her mid-20s when she suffered the severe brain injury that has left her in a vegetative state for fifteen years before her death.
By completing an Advance Directive, you can ensure that your wishes are followed, if and when a crisis does occur. Without an Advance Directive, the presumption is made that an individual wants full treatment, even if that treatment may be futile. You can also appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. You do not need a lawyer to complete the form.
You may view and download an Advance Directive form and information about the Advance Directive and how to complete the form by clicking on the following links:
You may also fill out and give to your physician a form to direct your wishes for life sustaining treatment. This is called a POLST form. Click on the following link to view and download the form.
