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Advance Directives
Advance directives are essential for every adult. These are healthcare decisions you make now that are to be followed if you face a serious medical situation and are unable to speak for yourself. These may include a living will, appointing a healthcare proxy and outlining specific medical preferences you want honored.
The experts at Cedar Valley Hospice are available to help, and our experienced team can guide you through the process of completing your advance directives. Click on the button below to schedule an advance directive consultation with one of our experts.
Expressing
Your Wishes
Life can change in an instant. That’s why all adults 18 years old or older should have advance directives in place – properly written, recorded and shared with the right people. Without them, families can face conflict and care decisions that may not reflect your wishes. Cedar Valley Hospice encourages all patients to complete advance medical directives, but it is not required to enroll in our services.
Types of Advance Directives
Living Will
Durable Power
of Attorney
for Health Care
IPOST
(Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment)
DNR
(Do Not Resuscitate
Order)
Living Will
A living will communicates your wishes for life-sustaining treatment to healthcare providers and loved ones at end of life. A living will also:
- Takes effect only if you are terminally ill and unable to speak for yourself
- Clearly outlines your decisions about life-sustaining measures
- Can be completed by anyone 18 or older
- Must be signed by a notary public or two witnesses. Select Cedar Valley Hospice staff are notaries.
Durable Power of Attorney for
Health Care
A healthcare agent, or surrogate decision maker, is someone you trust to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so. They are appointed by completing a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (healthcare proxy), which:
- Allows your chosen person to make all healthcare decisions if a doctor determines that you cannot
- Includes decisions about nutrition and hydration through feeding tubes or IVs
- Can be completed by anyone 18 or older
- Is separate from a Durable Power of Attorney, which covers money and property decisions
IPOST (Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of
Treatment)
The IPOST form is a medical order started by the patient and family, then signed by a physician. It outlines the patient’s preference for life-sustaining treatment. Benefits include:
- Clearly states the patient’s healthcare wishes and ensures they are honored
- Eases the burden on loved ones by removing guesswork during critical moments
- Supports consistent care by communicating wishes across all healthcare settings
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order)
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a directive from the patient and family that tells all medical staff not to perform life-saving measures like CPR. While it is not required to receive hospice services, a DNR offers key benefits, including:
- Clearly documents the patient and family’s wishes
- Eases the burden on loved ones during medical emergencies or end-of-life situations
Having advance directives in place benefits both you and your family. It ensures your healthcare wishes are followed and spares your loved ones from making difficult decisions during an emotional time.
Resources
The following are resources to help you and your family get started in establishing your advance directives:
- Iowa State Bar Association
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- Aging with Dignity
- Caring Info
- The Conversation Project
Cedar Valley Hospice offers free advance directive consultations to help you explore and document your end-of-life wishes. Select team members are notaries and may be able to assist with forms that require notarization.
Your Living Will
Having a living will in place allows your loved ones to know what life-sustaining measures you would accept at end of life if you are not able to communicate these wishes yourself. In order for a living will to be the guide for medical decision making, the patient:
- Must have a medical condition stated in their living will, such as “terminal illness” or “permanent unconsciousness”
- Is unable to communicate his/her own wishes regarding care
- Is at least 18 years of age
Each state may have additional requirements that need to be met.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
A healthcare agent, or surrogate decision maker, is someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. They are appointed by completing a durable power of attorney for health care (healthcare proxy).
In order for a durable power of attorney for health care to take effect, two physicians must come to the conclusion that you are unable to understand or are unable to communicate decisions regarding your medical care.
Additional items regarding healthcare proxies include:
- If you regain your decision-making ability, your designated healthcare agent will not be able to continue to act on your behalf.
- There may be certain requirements in your state pertaining to decisions about life-sustaining medical treatments. For example, before your healthcare agent can refuse a life-sustaining medical treatment on your behalf, a second doctor may have to confirm your doctor’s conclusion that you are unable to make your own medical decisions.
Have a Referral?
Anyone can refer a friend or family member to Cedar Valley Hospice. Simply complete and submit the form below to get started. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 800.626.2360.
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