there are two post which are post 1 and post 2. reply each post with at least 150 words and in text citation and references on each of them
post 1
I obtained the two forms, Medical Power of Attorney Designation of Health Care Agent and Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates “Living Will” online from the Texas Health and Human Services website. I did struggle a bit to find the forms initially because the website was not loading and had to log out and log back in again, this can become frustrating for the older adult to deal with. Once the webpage loaded and the forms populated as an attachment they were easily found, downloaded, and even completed online and printed for signatures.
I think these forms are very important to have, especially as the adult becomes much older, because the forms clearly state that anyone who is appointed must be done by the patient and witnessed by someone without relation to the patient, including marriage. According to (Miller, 2019), the older the adult is more of a target for neglect, abuse, and even criminal activity. These documents are important to have so the older adult patient can receive the medical care they deserve and help rid any foul play from family/relatives by inheriting property and assets from the patient.
The older adult may need assistance locating and completing the legal forms, especially if they are not tech-savvy, and know their way around the internet and downloading forms. According to (Texas Health & Human Services, 2021), the older adult does have the option to dial 2-1-1, for additional language options, if English is not the primary language, and they can get assistance locating the forms online as well as completing them. I found the assignment very enlightening, and think that anyone who has a debilitating, progressive, and incurable disease should consider having a medical power of attorney to appoint someone they trust to carry out their wishes for medical care if they become unable.
post 2
Advance directives are “legally binding documents that allow competent people to document what medical care they would or would not want to receive if they were not capable of making decisions and communicating their wishes” (Miller, 2019). There are many different types of advance directives, such as living wills, durable power of attorney for health care, and do not resuscitate orders. These advance directives can be relatively easy to find online. However, it can be confusing and possibly difficult for an individual to decide which one to use since there are many options available online. Healthcare workers can provide help for older adults by thoroughly explaining the nature and purpose of each advance directive. Additionally, they can work together to identify the patient’s specific needs and can guide them on which advance directive will most appropriately meet their needs.
It can be important for older adults to have advance directives. These documents will allow individuals to make medical decisions for themselves, and having advance directives in place will uphold and enforce those decisions in the future. I believe that advance directives support patient autonomy, which is an important ethical principle in the healthcare profession. Advance directives are created at a time when a person is capable of making medical decisions and will only take effect under certain circumstances, such as when a person is incapacitated or has a terminal illness. Having these documents can lessen an individual’s worries about future events and will ensure their wishes regarding medical treatment will be carried out. Although advance directives are typically used for older adults, I think it is beneficial for every individual to consider having a power of attorney and a living will. Unfortunately, tragic events and illnesses can happen unexpectedly, and advance directives allow a person to make medical decisions before these events happen.
