On today’s episode I’m going to talk about what’s called 5 wishes. I’m going to be diving into what 5 wishes is, when it’s time, how it works, how to do it and even what states offer the 5 wishes.
The five wishes advance directive was created by the national non-profit organization, Aging with dignity. They are a leader in advocating for the needs of elders and those who care for them. Jim Towey founder of Aging with Dignity created five wishes alone side doctors, nurses, lawyers and many other experts in end-of-life care. While volunteering he learned that people are the most concerned about maintaining their comfort and dignity when they are very sick. This is why he created the five wished advance directive with addresses personal, emotional, and spiritual needs of a person, not just the medical and legal needs. An advance directive like five wishes allows our loved ones to guide us to make important medical care decisions that might be made if or when they get seriously ill. Giving our loved ones peace of mind they their wishes will be granted and giving the family peace of mind knowing that all of their final wishes will be granted and you or other family will not have to make last minute medical decisions. Expressing our wishes in advance directive like five wishes helps empower our families, friends and doctors to make the best decision when the time comes, and help with any family or friend disagreement about what to do with medical care. Never assuming that your loved one has expressed their wishes with their doctors.
The best time to fill out the five wishes advance directive is now, before your loved one faces a health crises. While helping your loved one file out their advance directive it’s also a good idea to fill out one for yourself. Life is unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared. Anyone who is 18 years or older can use the five wishes advance directive.
If your loved one has already filled out five wishes advance directive, it might be a good idea to have them review it to see if they need to make an updates. Once we experience significant life events make us reconsider their wishes. While having a form of advance directive it’s still allows are loved ones to make their own health care decisions if they are able to talk with their doctor and have the understanding what’s going being said. The five wishes advance directive only takes effect when we are too ill to communicate. The five wishes advance directive is a legal document. It was written with the help of The American Bar association’s commission on law and aging. With that being said it does not meet the legal requirements in all 50 states, it does meet the legal requirements for 44 states. If you live in most states or the district of Columbia, you can use the five wishes advance directive and have the peace of mind to know that it meets your state’s legal requirements. If your loves one lives in one of the 6 remaining states (Indiana, New Hampshire, Kansas, Ohio, Oregon or Texas) they can still use the five wish advance directive but may have to take an extra step. If you live in Indiana, Kansas, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon or Texas there is an additional step you will need to take to ensure your loved ones five wishes meets legal requirements. After your loved ones is done completing, signing and witnessing their five wishes(following all the instructions) they will need to fill out and attach their state’s form to their five wishes with a not saying: see attached five wishes.”
I would like to thank Home Helpers of Bourbonnais for sponsoring Solutions for Seniors podcast. If you or your loved one are in the Kankakee or will county area call home helpers at 815-401-5527 for all your home care needs, you can also visit their website homehelpershomecare.com/Kankakee