Creating a living will. Experience at a multilevel geriatric facility.
OBJECTIVE
How to ensure that residents of a multilevel long-term care facility are able to indicate treatment preferences for the future (when they will be unable to participate in decision making).


OBJECTIVE
To review the methods used to create a "living will" document suitable for a long-term care population that can be used as a guide and template for other long-term care populations.


METHODS
The process includes gathering information, developing possible models, designing the document, the review process, and implementing the document.


CONCLUSIONS
Developing a living will document is not a simple process. The design should suit the population for whom the document is developed. Primary care physicians, other health care providers, and clergy should provide input.
Levitt
D
D
British Columbia Association of Community Care, Vancouver.
Gordon
M
M
D000368:Aged; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D016224:Living Wills; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation