Any resident of the Evangelical Homes has the right to designate someone to act on his/her behalf in the event that he/she is no longer able to make competent decisions.

An Advance Directive is a written document that allows you to specify what type of medical care you want in the future should you lose the ability to make decisions independently. You may simply make your wishes known regarding care decisions, and/or you may designate a specific individual(s) to be a “Patient Advocate” to make medical care decisions for you.

This is purely a voluntary decision. No one can require you to have an Advance Directive, nor dictate what it should say. It can only be completed by a competent adult for him/herself, and it can be revised or revoked at any time. It would only become effective when you no longer are able to participate in your medical care decisions, as determined by your attending physician.

While having an Advance Directive is not required, it is a means by which you can be confident that your wishes and desires are followed, even after you are no longer able to make the decisions yourself.

The type of Advance Directive known as the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care does not require the services of an attorney, but does set forth restrictions regarding its completion. The Home’s Social Service and Admission’s Director are able to provide further information regarding the Advance Directive process.

In the absence of an Advance Directive, a legally appointed Guardian may function in the capacity of medical decision-maker. In the absence of a guardian, the Home does recognize surrogate medical decision-makers, usually family members, to act in the resident’s behalf.

In the absence of any medical treatment directives, the policy of the Evangelical Home is to fully treat each resident. Please note that a Power of Attorney (as distinguished from Power of Attorney for Health Care) does require legal assistance, and does not allow for health care decision-making.