Corte Madera Women's Improvement Club

Celebrating over 100 years of service
to the Twin Cities of Corte Madera & Larkspur

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2nd TUESDAY LUNCH (POTLUCK)
September 9, 2008 • Advanced Directives: Why & How

No one wants to think about the implications of the concept of Advance Directives, but everyone should. It is a gift to our loved ones to prepare such a legal document, as it can spare them grief or anxiety of having to make critical care decisions in the unfortunate case of our incapacitation. One of our members witnessed siblings argue over what to do when their mother was dying, and her wishes were never articulated. It tore the family apart at a time when they should be coming together to support each other and their mother. At this program, members learned what decisions they might need to make in order to have designated people carry out their individual philosophy about end of life and critical care. Advance Health Care Directive forms were available to take home for family discussion.

Some of the recommended ones are available through:
— Five Wishes (non-printable pdf). These easy-to-understand booklets can be ordered for $5 each from Aging with Dignity
— California Medical Association (sample pdf, preview only). Forms can be purchased for $5 each from the CMA website

Free versions:
— A simple, generic form (pdf)
— California-specific form from CaringInfo.org (pdf)
— Kaiser members can pick up an Advanced Directive packet in the Health Education Center at any Kaiser Permanente facility or download and print copies of the form or entire packet at the members.kp.org website under “Your Plan, Forms and Publications.”

Other online resources
More information for CALIFORNIA can be found at the following:
— State of California: Consumers Advance Health Care Directive: What’s Important to You
— California Coalition for Compassionate Care

 
   

Corte Madera Women’s Improvement Club
PO Box 486, Corte Madera, CA 94976 • email: info@cmwomensclub.org