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The Five Wishes living will addressess personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as medical needs. This downloadable booklet is valid under the laws of most states once it is filled out and properly signed.
In Colorado, a living will, a medical durable power of attorney, a do not resuscitate (DNR) order, and/or the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) directive are recognized types of advance directives.

An advance directive is a (verbal or written) legal document that states your specific wishes for medical treatment or names a person to make choices for you in the event that you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself.

Living Will (Medical Declaration)
This is a document that allows a person to state ahead of time that he/she does not want to be given life-sustaining treatment if the person later is incompetent and in a terminal condition. A living will may include separate instructions about a person’s wishes regarding the provision of artificial nourishment. Living wills normally do not apply to emergency situations (such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation) unless the patient’s terminal condition is already established.

Medical Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions
This is a document that allows a person to name someone else to make medical decisions for him or her when he/she is unable to make medical decisions. The named spokesperson’s authority to make decisions for the patient only begins when the patient is incompetent to make those decisions. Unless specifically limited by the power of attorney, the spokesperson is authorized to consent to or withdraw any treatment. The spokesperson’s decisions carry the same weight as would those of the guest.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
This is a decision, normally made in advance of an emergency situation, not to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of an acute cardiac or respiratory arrest while in a hospital or healthcare facility. A physician may enter such an order in a patient’s chart after discussing it with the patient and receiving his/her consent, or after discussion with, and consent of, the patient’s family or patient advocate if the patient is incompetent.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Directive
A CPR Directive is designed for persons outside of a hospital setting and is made by a person in advance of the situation when he/she may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which states the person’s wishes regarding the receipt of CPR.

What is Community Hospital's Policy on Advance Directives?
Community Hospital recognizes and respects the rights of our patients to agree to or to refuse medical treatments. We encourage our patients, their families and physicians to clarify with one another both current and future treatment choices. We are happy to assist you by providing you with a copy of the Five Wishes booklet.

Five Wishes (Spanish version) is a booklet that helps you easily think through and clearly identify how you wish to be treated if you become seriously ill. It is an easy-to-complete form that lets you say exactly what you want. Once it is filled out and properly signed, it is valid as an advance directive under the laws of Colorado.

We will make every effort to assure that a patient’s wishes are complied with as long as they are understood and can be carried out according to Colorado law.

Where Should I Keep my Advance Directive?
Keep a copy in a safe place where you and family members or friends can locate it. It is a good idea to give copies to your physician and attorney, and to have a copy on hand in the event of an inpatient hospital admission.

How Can Community Hospital Help Me Complete an Advance Directive?
A number of Community Hospital professionals are available to assist you in answering your questions regarding this important issue. We are also happy to provide you with a copy of Five Wishes. Please feel free to talk with your nurse, a case manager, (970) 256-6281 or (970) 256-6278 or the Patient Advocate (970) 256-6291.
Google Health
The process to store an advance directive form in Google Health is easy:

  1. Go to your Google Health account at google.com/health, or create a new account if you don’t have one already.

  2. Download and print the advance directive form for your state at caringinfo.org/googlehealth

  3. Complete the form and sign it.

  4. Scan the signed document and upload it to your Google Health account.

By taking time to do these simple steps, you are making your healthcare wishes available to those who may need them in a time of crisis. Not only is this an important step to take for your own well-being but it’s a gift for your family members and loved ones who may need to act on your behalf.