Advance Medical Directives
For Virginia Residents

Decisions about end-of-life care are deeply personal and are based on each individual's values, beliefs and circumstances.  With a little forethought and planning, doctors, hospitals and family can know your wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself due to an accident or illness.

Advance medical directives are written instructions people prepare in advance to let others know what medical care they want to receive, and don't want to receive, in the event they cannot speak for themselves. 

There are two types of advance directives:

• A Living Will is a written document that states what kinds of life-prolonging treatment you want or do not want if you are diagnosed with a terminal condition and you are unable to express your own wishes. 
  
• A Health Care Power of Attorney is a document by which you authorize another person, such as a spouse, child, or trusted friend, to make medical decisions for you if you become incapable of making informed health care decisions for yourself.

Advance directives are easier to put in place than many people believe, are usually free, and can save families a great deal of anguish when done properly.  No lawyer or notary is needed.  Advance directives can also be easily changed or rescinded at any time for any reason, so there should be no fear of being locked in to a decision.

Advance directives are not just for old or ill people – anyone can become unable to communicate his or her wishes at any age due to an accident or sudden illness.  

Hospice of the Rapidan is pleased to provide a variety of resources and tools to help people understand advance directives, put one in place, and discuss end-of-life options and choices with family (which can sometimes be difficult).  Our knowledgable staff is also available to answer questions and provide guidance about this important but often overlooked aspect of personal planning.

A number of the links below are to documents in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf).  Click the link below to get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Advance Directive Form (pdf)

Virginia Advance Directive Form Large Print (pdf)

"Your Right To Decide" (pdf)
   Brochure published by the Virginia Department of Health and
   Virginia Department of the Aging

Advance Directive Toolkit (pdf)
   An excellent resource written by the Virginia State Bar

Caring Connections
   A free service with comprehensive information about advance
   directives from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization