A Do-It-Yourself Advance Directive

If your parents have been putting off preparing a living will or an advance directive, Aging With Dignity can help. This nonprofit organization worked with the American Bar Association to prepare a document called "Five Wishes" that helps your parents describe exactly how they wish to be treated if they're too ill to speak for themselves. Using clear and simple language, Five Wishes identifies who should make healthcare decisions for them, and their desires for their medical, spiritual, and emotional treatment. It also lets them tell loved ones how they want to be remembered. Five Wishes is considered a legal document in 40 states. For more information or to order a copy, contact Aging With Dignity.