Advance Directives allow you to state on paper how you would like medical and other decisions to be made for you if you are unable to communicate. In Florida, there are three types. Their descriptions are below.

A Living Will gives someone you trust, often a family member or friend, the right to make decisions about continuing or withdrawing life-prolonging procedures if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. You stipulate at what point you would want care withheld if:

• You have a terminal condition that without treatment will cause death; or

• You have an end-stage condition (permanent deterioration and complete dependency on others); or

• You are in a persistent vegetative state (irreversibly unconscious)

In the event you are unable to provide express or informed consent, your doctor and those you designate will know your wishes.

Durable Power of Attorney allows you to designate who you want to handle your affairs if you cannot. It may be a family member, close friend, a bank trust department or trust company. You may appoint more than one person. Those you designate can deal with financial matters if you are unable. They can pay your bills, settle accounts, enter your safe deposit box, borrow money for your benefit and deal with your pension and IRA accounts. They can sign tax returns, handle investments, transfer motor vehicles, and sell and buy property on your behalf, among other things. If you hold property in other states, you should mention that when you prepare this document.

A Healthcare Surrogate Designation is a written document designating a person you trust to make healthcare decisions for you. Their authority begins when your attending physician and a consulting physician determine that you lack the capacity to make healthcare decisions for yourself.

This is just a brief summary of critical advance directives. You should consult an attorney for details. Several attorneys have agreed to assist Hospice of the Comforter patients and their families at reduced rates. Please call the Hospice of the Comforter Development Office (407-682-0808) if you would like more information.

Three other types of wills to consider are:

Basic Will (Non-taxable estate). Distribution of all assets to surviving spouse and, if none, then to children or specific beneficiaries outright.

Will with Testamentary Trust (Non-taxable estate). Everything to the surviving spouse and, if none, then to children or specific beneficiaries over a period of time.

Ethical Will. This type of 'will' records messages from your heart to pass along to those you leave behind.  Hospice of the Comforter offers workshops designed to stimulate your memory to help you recall the stories of your life and then to record them in a way that will be interesting for others to read. Check our calendar for upcoming workshops.