Special Advance Healthcare Directive
 The Advance Directive for Nursing Home Residents is available to DWDV members and was developed because many people view the prospect of entering a nursing home with distress. Sometimes there is no other alternative and when this is the case, people want the maximum control over the type and extent of medical care to be provided.
In this circumstance, it is essential to have an agent (enduring medical power of attorney) and a clear advance directive. With the DWDV advance directive you can select the level of care you do or do not want.
Many who are now well may simply want to file this document, but others who have chronic diseases or cancer, are living alone, or could soon be facing this question, may find comfort in completing the form. This should be done in conjunction with your G.P. Alternatively, as long as you are still competent, you can complete it on entering the nursing home.
You have a legal right to refuse any treatment that you do not want. Although this document does not have legal status, in the hands of your agent it has great value as it tells those caring for you what your wishes are.
Without such a document, people may find their lives prolonged by unwanted treatment in circumstances they might find unacceptable. An Advance Directive can be revoked or altered at any time, but any alteration must be witnessed and signed.
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