Five Wishes Is Now On-Line
Horizons in Hemophilia, September 2011
By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, Social Worker
In the Spring 2009 issue of Horizons in Hemophilia, we talked about an important document called Five Wishes®. It is a legally binding advanced directive form that adults age 18 and older can fill out if they want to have more input about treatment during the last days of life. In keeping with the times, this document can now be completed and stored on-line. You can access instructions and the form at https://fivewishesonline.agingwithdignity.org.
Its primary author, a lawyer named Jim Towey, worked closely with Mother Teresa of Calcutta for 12 years and was influenced by her emphasis on death with dignity. This document goes beyond the usual directives about how long-- and under what circumstances-- you want to be kept on life-support. Five Wishes® addresses other possible needs such as whether you are comforted by light massage. It gives you a chance to spell out your preferences for pain control and other ways to keep you comfortable.
Specific emotional and spiritual issues are addressed. What kind of music would be comforting to you, if you want music at all? Do you want someone to read to you if you are conscious but unable to speak? If so, what would bring you comfort and what would not?
For a legal document, Five Wishes® is unusually easy to read and understand. However, it never hurts to hire a lawyer specializing in these issues to discuss topics related to your care. Also, the laws about nursing home funding and financial assets are extremely complex. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate them.
If you have questions about advanced directives please contact your Hemophilia of Georgia social worker or nurse. You still have the option of completing a paper version of Five Wishes®: https://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php.