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In a world where many aspects of life can feel uncertain, the Five Wishes document offers a unique opportunity to take control over how you want to be treated during serious illness. This form is designed to address not only your medical preferences but also your personal, emotional, and spiritual needs. It allows you to designate a trusted individual as your Health Care Agent, someone who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. The document clearly outlines the types of medical treatment you desire or wish to avoid, ensuring that your wishes are respected. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of comfort and how you wish to be treated by those around you during challenging times. By completing this straightforward form, you can communicate your desires to loved ones and healthcare providers, sparing them from making difficult choices without knowing your preferences. Developed with input from legal and healthcare professionals, Five Wishes is recognized as a compassionate living will that combines legal authority with heartfelt intention. It is accessible to anyone aged 18 and older, making it a valuable tool for individuals across various life stages. With over 19 million people having utilized it, Five Wishes is gaining traction among families, healthcare institutions, and communities as a way to facilitate meaningful conversations about end-of-life care.

5 Wishes Document Preview

FIVE

WISH S®

M Y W I S H F O R :

The Person I Want too Make Car1e Decisions for Me When I Can’t

The Kind of Medical Treat2ment I Want or Don’t Want

How Comfortable3 I Want to Be

How I Want People4 to Treat Me

What I Want My Loved5 Ones to Know

print your name

birthdate

Five Wishes

There are many things in life that are out of our hands. This Five Wishes document gives you a way to control somethingg very

important—how you are treated if you get seriously ill. It is ann easy-to- complete form that lets you say exactly what you want. Once it is filled out and properly signed it is valid under the laws off most states.

What Is Five Wishes?

Five Wishes is the first living will that talks about your personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes. It lets you choose the person you want to make health care decisions for you if you are not able to make them for yourselff. Five Wishes

lets you say exactly how you wish to be

treated if you get seriously ill. It was written with the help of The American Bar

$VVRFLDWLRQ·V&RPPLVVLRQRQ/DZDQG$JLQJ DQGWKHQDWLRQ·VOHDGLQJH[SHUWVLQHQGRIOLIH FDUH,W·VDOVRHDV\WRXVH$OO\RXKDYHWRGRLV check a box, circle a direction, or write a few

sentences.

How Five Wishes Can Help You And Your Family

It lets

you talk with your family,

 

 

WKH\ZRQ·WKDYHWRPDNHKDUGFKRLFHV

 

 

frie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

without knowing your wishes.

 

 

nds and doctor about how you

 

 

wantt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to be treated if you become

• You can know what your mom, dad,

 

 

seriou

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sly ill.

 

 

 

 

spouse, or friend wants. You can be

 

Your family membe

rs will not have to

 

there for them when they need you

 

 

 

 

 

t. It protects them

most. You will understand what they

 

 

guess what you wan

 

 

 

ously ill, because

really want.

 

 

if you become seri

How Five Wishes Began

For 12 years, Jim Towey worked closely with Mother Teresa, and, for one year, he lived in a KRVSLFHVKHUDQLQ:DVKLQJWRQ'&,QVSLUHGE\ WKLVILUVWKDQGH[SHULHQFH0U7RZH\VRXJKWD way for patients and their families to plan ahead and to cope with serious illness. The result is

2Five Wishes and the response to it has been

RYHUZKHOPLQJ,WKDVEHHQIHDWXUHGRQ&11 DQG1%&·V7RGD\6KRZDQGLQWKHSDJHVRI Time and MoneyPDJD]LQHV1HZVSDSHUVKDYH called Five Wishes the first “living will with a heart and soul.” Today, Five Wishes is available in 27 languages.

Who Should Use Five Wishes

Five Wishes is for anyone 18 or older — married, single, parents, adult children, and friends. More than 19 million people of all ages have already used it. Because it

works so well, lawyers, doctors, hospitals and hospices, faith communities, employers, and retiree groups are handing outt this document.

Five Wishes States

If you live in the District of Columbia or one of the 42 states listed below, youu can use )LYH:LVKHVDQGKDYHWKHSHDFHRIPLQGWRNQRZWKDWLWVXEVWDQWLDOO\PHHWV\RXUVWDWH·V requirements under the law:

Alaska

Illinois

Montana

 

6RXWK&DUROLQD

Arizona

Iowa

1HEUDVND

 

 

 

 

 

6RXWK'DNRWD

Arkansas

Kentucky

1HYDGDD

 

 

 

 

Tennessee

&DOLIRUQLD

/RXLVLDQD

1HZ-HUVH\

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vermont

 

 

&RORUDGR

Maine

1HZ0H[LFR

 

 

 

 

Virginia

 

 

&RQQHFWLFXW

Maryland

 

 

 

RUN

Washington

1HZ<

Delaware

Massachusetts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Virginia

1RUWK&DUROLQD

Florida

Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin

1RUWK'DNRWD

Georgia

Minnesota

Oklahoma

 

 

 

Wyoming

Hawaii

Mississippi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania

 

 

 

 

 

Idaho

Missouri

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island

 

 

 

 

 

If your state is not one of the 42 states listed here, Five Wishes does not meet the technical UHTXLUHPHQWVLQWKHVWDWXWHVRI\RXUVWDWH6RVRPHGRFWRUVLQ\RXUVWDWHPD\EHUHOXFWDQW to honor Five Wishes. However, many people from states not on this list do complete Five :LVKHVDORQJZLWKWKHLUVWDWH·VOHJDOIRUP7KH\ILQGWKDW)LYH:LVKHVKHOSVWKHPH[SUHVV all that they want and provides a helpful guide to family members, friends, care givers and doctors. Most doctors and health care professionals know they need to listen to your wishes no matter how you express them.

How Do I Change To Five Wishes?

You may already have a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care. If you want to use Five Wishes instead, all you need to do is fill out and sign a new Five Wishes as directed. As soon as you sign it, it takes away any advance directive you had before. To make sure the right form is used, please do the following:

D

estroy all copies of your old living will

7HOO\RXU+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWIDPLO\

 

or durable power of attorney for health

 

members, and doctor that you have

 

care. Or you can write “revoked” in large

 

filled out a new Five Wishes.

 

letters across the copy you have. Tell

 

Make sure they know about your

 

your lawyer if he or she helped prepare

 

new wishes.

 

those old forms for you. AND

 

 

3

WISH 1

The Person I Want To Make Health Care Decisions For Me

When I Can’t Make Them For Myself.

f I am no longer able to make my own health care

 

 

 

• My attending or treating doctor finds I am no

I decisions, this form names the person I choose to

 

 

 

 

longer able to make health ca

 

es, AND

 

 

 

 

re choic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

make these choices for me. This person will be my

 

 

 

• Another health care profe

ssional agrees

t

hat

Health Care Agent (or other term that may be used in

 

 

 

 

this is true.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MPLE

my state, such as proxy, representative, or surrogate).

 

 

If my state has a different

 

w

ay of finding that I am not

 

This person will make my health care choices if both

 

 

able to make health c

 

are choices, then my state’s way

 

of these things happen:

 

 

 

should be followe

d.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Person I Choose As My Health Care Agent Is:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Choice Name

 

 

Ph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

one

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City/State/Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If this person is not able or willing to make thesee choices for me, OR is divorced or legally separated from me, OR this person has died, then these people aree my next choices:

Second Choice Name

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

Third Choice Nam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

ddress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City/State/Zip

 

 

City/State/Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone

 

Phone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picking The R

 

Your Health Care Agent

 

ight Person To Be

 

 

 

 

 

&KRRVHVRPHRQHZKRNQRZV\RXYHU\ZHOO

DQGIROORZ\RXUZLVKHV<RXU+HDOWK&DUH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

can make difficult

Agent should be at least 18 years or older (in

cares about you, and who

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ily member may

&RORUDGR\HDUVRUROGHUDQGVKRXOGnot be:

decisions. A spouse or fam

 

not be the best choice because they are too

 

 

Your health care provider, including the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YHG6RPHWLPHVWKH\are the

 

 

 

HPRWLRQDOO\LQYRO

 

 

 

 

 

owner or operator of a health or residential

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EHVWFKRLFH<RX

NQRZEHVW&KRRVHVRPHRQH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or community care facility serving you.

w

ho is able to stand up for you so that your

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wishes are followed. Also, choose someone who

 

 

An employee or spouse of an employee of

is likely to be nearby so that they can help when

 

 

 

 

your health care provider.

you need them. Whether you choose a spouse,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMIDPLO\PHPEHURUIULHQGDV\RXU+HDOWK&DUH

‡

 

6HUYLQJDVDQDJHQWRUSUR[\IRURU

Agent, make sure you talk about these wishes

 

 

 

 

more people unless he or she is your

and be sure that this person agrees to respect

 

 

 

 

spouse or close relative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

I understand that my Health Care Agent can make health care decisions for me. I want my Agent to be able to do the

following: (Please cross out anything you don’t want your Agent to do that is listed below.)

Make choices for me about my medical care

‡

6HH DQGDSSURYHUHOHDVHRIP\PHGLFDOUHFRUGV

 

or services, like tests, medicine, or surgery.

 

and personal files. If I need to sign my name to

 

This care or service could be to find out what my

 

JHWDQ\RIWKHVHILOHVP\+HDOW

 

$JHQWFDQ

 

 

K&DUH

 

health problem is, or how to treat it. It can also

 

sign it for me.

 

include care to keep me alive. If the treatment or

Move me to another

 

 

 

 

 

FDUHKDVDOUHDG\VWDUWHGP\+HDOWK&DUHAgent

state to get the care I need

 

 

 

or to carry out m

y wishes.

 

can keep it going or have it stopped.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interpret any instructions I have given in

this form or given in other discussions, according

WRP\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQW·VXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIP\ wishes and values.

‡ &RQVHQWWRDGPLVVLRQWRDQDVVLVWHGOLYLQJIDFLOLW\ hospital, hospice, or nursing home for me. My +HDOWK&DUH$JHQWFDQKLUHDQ\NLQGRIKHDOWK care worker I may need to help me or take care of me. My Agent may also fire a health care worker, if needed.

Make the decision to request, take away or not

JLYHPHGLFDOWUHDWPHQWVLQFOXGLQJDUWLILFLDOO\ provided food and water, andd any other treatments to keepp me alive.

Authorize or refuse to authorize any medication or procedure needed to help with pain.

Take any legal action needed to carry out my wishes.

Donate useable organs or tissues of mine as allowed by law.

• Apply for Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs RULQVXUDQFHEHQHILWVIRUPH0\+HDOWK&DUH Agent can see my personal files, like bank records, to find out what is needed to fill out these forms.

‡ /LVWHGEHORZDUHDQ\FKDQJHVDGGLWLRQVRU OLPLWDWLRQVRQP\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQW·VSRZHUV

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

If I Change My Mind About Having A Health Care Agent, I Will

Destroy all copies of this part of the

• Write the word “Revoked” in large

 

Five Wishes form. OR

letters across the name of each agent

• Tell someone, such as my doctor or

whose authority I want to cancel.

6LJQP\QDPHRQWKDWSDJH

 

family, that I want to cancel or change

 

 

 

P\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWOR

 

5

WISH 2

My Wish For The Kind Of Medical Treatment

I Want Or Don’t Want.

I b elieve that my life is precious and I deserve to be treated with dignity. When the timee comes that

I am very sick and am not able to speak for myself, I want the following wishes, and any other directions I have given to my Health Care Agent, to be respected and followed.

What You Should Keep In Mind As My Caregiver

I do not want to be in pain. I want my doctor to give me enough medicine to relieve my pain, even if that means that I will be drowsy or sleep more than I would otherwise.

I do nott want anything done or omitted by my doctors or nurses with the intention of taking my life.

I want to be offered food and fluids by mouth, and kept clean and warm.

What “Life-Support Treatment” Means To Me

/LIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWPHDQVDQ\PHGLFDOSURFH dure, device or medication to keep me alive.

/LIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLQFOXGHVPHGLFDO devices put in me to help me breathe; food and ZDWHUVXSSOLHGE\PHGLFDOGHYLFHWXEHIHHGLQJ FDUGLRSXOPRQDU\UHVXVFLWDWLRQ&35PDMRU surgery; blood transfusions; dialysis; antibiotics;

and anything else meant to keep me alive.

,I,ZLVKWROLPLWWKHPHDQLQJRIOLIHVXSSRUW treatment because of my religious or personal beliefs, I write this limitation in the space below. I do this to make very clear what I want and under what conditions.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

In Case Of An Emergency

Iff you have a medical emergency and ambulance personnel arrive, they may look to see if you have a Do Not Resuscitate form or bracelet. Many states require a person to have a Do Not Resuscitate form filled out and

signed by a doctor. This form lets ambulance SHUVRQQHONQRZWKDW\RXGRQ·WZDQWWKHPWRXVH OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWZKHQ\RXDUHG\LQJ3OHDVH check with your doctor to see if you need to have a Do Not Resuscitate form filled out.

6

Here is the kind of medical treatment that I want or don’t want in the four situations listed below. I want my Health Care Agent, my family, my doctors and other health care providers, my friends and all others to know these directions.

Close to death:

If my doctor and another health care professional both decide that I am likely to die within a short period of WLPHDQGOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWZRXOGRQO\GHOD\WKH PRPHQWRIP\GHDWK&KRRVHoneRIWKHIROORZLQJ

,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW

, GRQRWZDQWOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW,ILWKDV been started, I want it stopped.

,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLIP\GRFWRU believes it could help. But I want my doctor to

VWRSJLYLQJPHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLILWLVQRW helping my health condition or symptoms.

In A Coma And Not Expected Too Wake Up Or Recover:

If my doctor and another health care professional both decide that I am in a coma from which I am not expected WRZDNHXSRUUHFRYHUDQG,KDYHEUDLQGDPDJHDQGOLIH support treatment would only delay the moment of my GHDWK&KRRVHoneRIWKHIROORZLQJ

,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW

, GRQRWZDQWOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW,ILWKDV been started, I want it stopped.

,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLIP\GRFWRU believes it could help. But I want my doctor to

VWRSJLYLQJPHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLILWLVQRW helping my health condition or symptoms.

Permanent And Severe Brain Damage And Not Expected To Recover:

If my doctor and another health care professional both decide that I have permanentt and severe brain damage,

(for example, I can open myy eyes, but I can not speak RUXQGHUVWDQGDQG,DPQRWH[SHFWHGWRJHWEHWWHUDQG OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWZRXOGRQO\GHOD\WKHPRPHQWRI P\GHDWK&KRRVHoneRIWKHIROORZLQJ

,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW

,GRQRWZDQWOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW,ILWKDV been started, I want it stopped.

,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLIP\GRFWRU believes it could help. But I want my doctor to

VWRSJLYLQJPHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLILWLVQRW helping my health condition or symptoms.

In Another Condition Under Which I Do Not Wish To Be Kept Alive:

If there is another condition under which I do not wish WRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW,GHVFULEHLWEHORZ,Q this condition, I believe that the costs and burdens of

OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWDUHWRRPXFKDQGQRWZRUWKWKH benefits to me. Therefore, in this condition, I do not want OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW)RUH[DPSOH\RXPD\ZULWH ´HQGVWDJHFRQGLWLRQµ7KDWPHDQVWKDW\RXUKHDOWKKDV gotten worse. You are not able to take care of yourself in DQ\ZD\PHQWDOO\RUSK\VLFDOO\/LIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW will not help you recover. Please leave the space blank if \RXKDYHQRRWKHUFRQGLWLRQWRGHVFULEH

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

7

Th e next three wishes deal with my personal, spiritual and emotional wishes. They are important to me. I want to be treated with dignity near the end of my life, so I would like people to do the things

written in Wishes 3, 4, and 5 when they can be done. I understand that my family, my doctors and other health care providers, my friends, and others may not be able to do these things or are not required by law to do these things. I do not expect the following wishes to place new or added legal duties on my doctors or other health care providers. I also do not expect these wishes to excuse my doctor or other health care providers from giving mee the proper care asked for by law.

WISH 3

My Wish For How Comfortable I Want To Bee.

(Please cross out anything that you don’t agree with.)

I do not want to be in pain. I want my doctor to give me enough medicine to relieve my pain, even if that means I will be drowsy or sleep more than I would otherwise.

If I show signs of depression, nausea, shortness of breath, or hallucinations, I want my care givers to do whatever they can to help me.

I wish to have a cool moist cloth put onn my head if I have a fever.

I want my lips and mouth kept moist to stop dryness.

I wish to have warm baths often. I wish to be kept fresh and clean at all times.

I wishh to be massaged with warm oils as often as I can be.

I wish to have my favorite music played when possible until my time of death.

I wish to have personal care like shaving, nail clipping, hair brushing, and teeth brushing, as long as they do not cause me pain or discomfort.

‡ ,ZLVKWRKDYHUHOLJLRXVUHDGLQJVDQGZHOO loved poems read aloud when I am near death.

I wish to know about options for hospice care to provide medical, emotional and spiritual care for me and my loved ones.

WISH 4

My Wish For How I Want People To Treat Me.

(Please cross out anything that you don’t agree with.)

I wish to have people with me when possible. I want someone to be with me when it seems that death may come at any time.

I wish to have my hand held and to be talked

WRZKHQSRVVLEOHHYHQLI,GRQ·WVHHPWR respond to the voice or touch of others.

I wish to have others by my side praying for me when possible.

I wish to have the members of my faith community told that I am sick and asked to pray for me and visit me.

I wish to be cared for with kindness and cheerfulness, and not sadness.

I wish to have pictures of my loved ones in my room, near my bed.

If I am not able to control my bowel or bladder functions, I wish for my clothes and bed linens to be kept clean, and for them to be changed as soon as they can be if they have been soiled.

I want to die in my home, if that can be done.

8

WISH 5

My Wish For What I Want My Loved Ones To Know.

(Please cross out anything that you don’t agree with.)

I wish to have my family and friends know that I love them.

I wish to be forgiven for the times I have hurt my family, friends, and others.

I wish to have my family, friends and others know that I forgive them for when they may have hurt me in my life.

I wish for my family and friends to know that I do not fear death itself. I think it is not the end, but a new beginning for me.

I wish for all of my family members to make peace with each other before my death, if they can.

I wish for my family and friends to think about what I was like before I became seriously ill. I want them too remember me in this way after my death.

I wish for my family and friends and caregivers to respect my wishes even if

WKH\GRQ·WDJUHHZLWKWKHP

I wish for my family and friends to look at my dying as a time of personal growth for everyone, including me. This will help me livee a meaningful life in my final days.

I wish for my family and friends to get counseling if they have trouble with my death. I want memories of my life to give

WKHPMR\DQGQRWVRUURZ

After my death, I would like my body to

EHFLUFOHRQHEXULHGRUFUHPDWHG

My body or remains should be put in the

 

following

location

.

The following person knows my funeral

wishes:.

If anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me:

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

If there is to bee a memorial service for me, I wish for this service to include the following

OLVWPXVLFVRQJVUHDGLQJVRURWKHUVSHFLILFUHTXHVWVWKDW\RXKDYH

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

(Please use the space below for any other wishes. For example, you may want to donate any or all parts of your body when you die. You may also wish to designate a charity to receive memorial contributions. Please attach a VH DUDWHVKHHWRI D HULI\RXQHHGPRUHVSDFH

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

9

Signing The Five Wishes Form

Please make sure you sign your Five Wishes form in the presence of the two witnesses.

I, _________________________________, ask that my family, my doctors, and other health care providers,

P\IULHQGVDQGDOORWKHUVIROORZP\ZLVKHVDVFRPPXQLFDWHGE\P\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWLI,KDYHRQHDQGKH RUVKHLVDYDLODEOHRUDVRWKHUZLVHH[SUHVVHGLQWKLVIRUP7KLVIRUPEHFRPHVYDOLGZKHQ,DPXQDEOHWRPDNH decisions or speak for myself. If any part of this form cannot be legally followed, I ask that all other parts of this form be followed. I also revoke any health care advance directives I have made before.

Signature:

 

 

___

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone:

Date:

 

 

__

Witness Statement (2 witnesses needed):

,WKHZLWQHVVGHFODUHWKDWWKHSHUVRQZKRVLJQHGRUDFNQRZOHGJHGWKLVIRUPKHUHDIWHU´SHUVRQµLVSHUVRQDOO\NQRZQWR PHWKDWKHVKHVLJQHGRUDFNQRZOHGJHGWKLV>+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWDQGRU/LYLQJ:LOOIRUPV@LQP\SUHVHQFHDQGWKDWKHVKH appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud, or undue influence.

,DOVRGHFODUHWKDW,DPRYHU\HDUVRIDJHDQGDP127

The individual appointed as (agent/proxy/

VXUURJDWHSDWLHQWDGYRFDWHUHSUHVHQWDWLYHE\ this document or his/her successor,

7KHSHUVRQ·VKHDOWKFDUHSURYLGHULQFOXGLQJ RZQHURURSHUDWRURIDKHDOWKORQJWHUPFDUH or other residential or community care facility serving the person,

$QHPSOR\HHRIWKHSHUVRQ·VKHDOWKFDUH provider,

)LQDQFLDOO\UHVSRQVLEOHIRUWKHSHUVRQ·V health care,

An employee of a life or health insurance provider for the person,

Related to the person by blood, marriage, or adoption, and,

To the best of my knowledge, a creditor of the person or entitled to any part of his/her estate under a will or codicil, by operation of law.

(Some states may have fewer rules about who may be a witness. Unless you know your state’s rules, please follow the above.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Witness

 

 

 

 

Signature of Witness #2

#1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Name of Witn

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Name of Witness

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Address

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NotarizationOnly required for residents of Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia

If you live in Missouri, only your signature should be notarized.

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Common mistakes

  1. Not Choosing a Backup Agent: Many people forget to name a second or third choice for their health care agent. If your first choice is unable or unwilling to act, having backups ensures your wishes are still honored.

  2. Leaving Sections Blank: Some individuals skip parts of the form, thinking they are optional. Every section is important. Filling out all areas gives clear guidance about your wishes.

  3. Not Discussing Wishes: Failing to talk with family and friends about your choices can lead to confusion. Open conversations help loved ones understand your desires, making it easier for them to advocate for you.

  4. Using Outdated Information: If you have previously filled out a living will or health care directive, it’s crucial to destroy those documents. Using old forms can create conflicts about your current wishes.

  5. Ignoring State Requirements: Each state has specific rules regarding advance directives. Not checking if Five Wishes meets your state’s requirements can lead to issues when the time comes to use it.

  6. Not Signing the Document: Some people forget to sign the form or witness it as required. A signature is essential for the document to be valid and enforceable.

Dos and Don'ts

Things You Should Do:

  • Read the entire Five Wishes document carefully to understand its purpose and implications.
  • Clearly print your name and birthdate at the top of the form.
  • Choose a Health Care Agent who knows you well and understands your wishes.
  • Discuss your wishes with your chosen Health Care Agent and family members.
  • Sign the document in the presence of a witness, if required by your state.
  • Keep a copy of the signed document in a safe place and share it with your Health Care Agent and family.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  • Don't rush through the form; take your time to ensure clarity and accuracy.
  • Don't choose someone as your Health Care Agent who may be too emotionally involved to make objective decisions.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; fill out all required information completely.
  • Don't forget to revoke any previous living wills or directives if you are replacing them with Five Wishes.
  • Don't assume that your wishes will be known without discussing them; communicate clearly.
  • Don't neglect to check if your state has specific requirements for the document to be valid.

Misconceptions

Here are some common misconceptions about the Five Wishes Document form, along with explanations to clarify each point:

  • Five Wishes is just a regular living will. Many people think of Five Wishes as simply a legal document for medical decisions. However, it goes beyond that. It addresses personal, emotional, and spiritual needs, making it unique among advance directives.
  • Only elderly people need Five Wishes. This document is for anyone 18 or older, regardless of age or health status. Accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen at any time, so it’s wise for all adults to have their wishes documented.
  • Five Wishes is not legally binding. Some believe that because it’s a simple form, it lacks legal weight. In reality, once completed and signed according to state laws, it is valid in most states and holds significant legal authority.
  • My family will automatically know my wishes. Many assume that loved ones can guess what they want in a medical crisis. This can lead to confusion and stress during difficult times. Five Wishes helps to clearly communicate your preferences, reducing the burden on family members.
  • Five Wishes cannot be changed once completed. Some people think that once they fill out Five Wishes, they are stuck with those decisions forever. This is not true. You can revoke or change your Five Wishes at any time by following the proper steps.
  • Five Wishes is only for people with terminal illnesses. This is a misconception. Five Wishes is beneficial for anyone who wants to plan ahead for unexpected medical situations, not just those facing terminal conditions. It helps ensure that your values and preferences are respected, regardless of your health status.

Detailed Guide for Using 5 Wishes Document

Filling out the Five Wishes Document is a straightforward process that allows you to express your healthcare preferences. Follow these steps to complete the form accurately and ensure your wishes are known.

  1. Print your name and birthdate at the top of the form.
  2. Choose your Health Care Agent:
    • Identify the person you want to make health care decisions for you when you cannot. This person must be at least 18 years old.
    • Provide their name, phone number, and address.
  3. List alternative agents: If your first choice cannot serve, provide the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your second and third choices.
  4. Specify your preferences: Indicate what you want your Health Care Agent to do regarding your medical care. Cross out any options you do not want them to handle.
  5. Sign the document: Ensure you sign and date the form to validate it.
  6. Inform relevant parties: Share your completed Five Wishes Document with your Health Care Agent, family, and healthcare providers.

Once you have filled out the form and shared it with the necessary individuals, it is important to keep a copy for your records. This ensures that your wishes are respected and understood in case of a medical emergency.