What would happen if you couldn't make decisions about your own medical care? It's a difficult question to think about, let alone answer. The good news is that you don't have to leave a situation like this to chance. You can make your wishes known -- before you face a medical crisis -- by completing a living will or "declaration" and/or a durable power of attorney for healthcare.

These legal documents, known as advance directives, let your doctors, caregivers and family members know what type of care you want and who you want to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to make your preferences known.

A living will outlines the type of care you want and don't want. For example, you can specify if and under what circumstances you'd want caregivers to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), provide artificial nutrition and fluids through tubes, use a ventilator to help you breathe, perform surgery and more.

A durable power of attorney for healthcare names who -- usually a spouse, adult child, another family member or friend -- you want to make medical decisions for you when you're unable to do so. You also can list specific instructions about what treatments you want or don't want.

When you complete an advance directive, make sure you:

• Sign and date the form and have it notarized.
• Give a copy of the notarized document to your doctor and provide a copy when you're admitted to the hospital.
• Tell your family members that you've completed the form and inform the person you've designated as your durable power of attorney for healthcare.

To find out more about advance directives, stop by the registration area at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center. Staff there can provide you with an information kit. Or please call 853-3276 and we'll mail you the kit.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106