@susanejw , it depends on your state’s law, but generally you can have an attorney prepare the Advance Medical Directive for when it’s needed and for your Healthcare Power of Attorney to keep on hand.

You can also get a P.O.L.S.T. or M.O.LS.T. (Medical Orders For Life Sustaining Treatment) from your doctor. It’s a bright pink paper order signed by the patient and the doctor stating what life saving measures the patient wants. It is kept near the bed or on the fridge for first responders to see and honor. And to be carried with the patient to the ER.