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Blank 5 Wishes Document PDF Form

The Five Wishes Document is a vital tool that allows individuals to express their medical, emotional, and spiritual preferences in the event they become seriously ill. This easy-to-complete form empowers you to designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your wishes are respected. By filling out this document, you can provide clarity and peace of mind for both yourself and your loved ones.

Ready to take control of your healthcare decisions? Fill out the Five Wishes Document by clicking the button below.

Access 5 Wishes Document Editor Here

Contents

The Five Wishes document is a comprehensive tool designed to help individuals express their healthcare preferences in a clear and accessible manner. It allows users to designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so themselves. This document goes beyond traditional living wills by addressing not only medical treatments but also personal, emotional, and spiritual needs. Individuals can specify the types of medical treatment they desire or wish to avoid, outline their comfort preferences, and communicate how they would like to be treated by family and caregivers. Additionally, it provides a space for individuals to share important messages with their loved ones. The Five Wishes document is easy to complete, requiring users to check boxes, circle options, or write brief statements. Once filled out and signed, it is valid in most states, making it a practical choice for anyone over the age of 18. The form encourages open conversations about healthcare wishes among family members, reducing the burden on loved ones during difficult times. Developed with input from legal and healthcare experts, Five Wishes has gained recognition as a vital resource for planning end-of-life care, having been utilized by over 19 million people across various demographics.

How to Write 5 Wishes Document

Filling out the Five Wishes Document is a straightforward process that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences. By completing this form, you ensure that your wishes regarding medical treatment and care are clearly communicated to your loved ones and healthcare providers. After filling out the document, it is essential to keep it in a safe place and share it with the designated individuals, ensuring they understand your wishes.

Print your name at the top of the document.
Enter your birthdate in the designated section.
Choose a Health Care Agent by selecting the person you want to make healthcare decisions for you when you cannot. Provide their name, phone number, and address.
List alternative agents in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. Include their names, phone numbers, and addresses.
Specify the powers you want your Health Care Agent to have. Review the list provided and cross out any powers you do not want them to have.
Document any limitations or additional instructions regarding your Health Care Agent’s powers in the space provided.
Sign and date the document to validate it. Ensure that you have witnessed the signing if required by your state.
Distribute copies of the completed form to your Health Care Agent, family members, and healthcare providers to ensure they are aware of your wishes.

Misconceptions

Here are 10 misconceptions about the Five Wishes document form, along with explanations to clarify them:

Five Wishes is just a medical form. Many people think Five Wishes only addresses medical decisions. In reality, it also covers personal, emotional, and spiritual needs, making it a comprehensive document.
Only older adults need Five Wishes. This document is for anyone 18 or older, regardless of age or health status. Young adults, parents, and friends can all benefit from having their wishes documented.
Five Wishes is not legally binding. Once properly filled out and signed, Five Wishes is valid under the laws of most states, similar to other advance directives.
Five Wishes can only be used in certain states. While it is recognized in 42 states and the District of Columbia, many people in other states still use it as a guide for their wishes, even if it isn’t legally binding there.
Choosing a family member as a Health Care Agent is always the best option. While family members can be great choices, it’s essential to select someone who understands your wishes and can make tough decisions without emotional bias.
Once I fill out Five Wishes, I can't change it. You can change your wishes at any time. Just fill out a new Five Wishes form, and it will revoke any previous directives.
Five Wishes is difficult to complete. The form is designed to be easy to understand and fill out. Most people find it straightforward, requiring only simple choices and a few sentences.
My doctor must follow Five Wishes exactly. While doctors are expected to honor your wishes, they must also consider medical ethics and legal requirements. It's essential to communicate your wishes clearly to your healthcare team.
Five Wishes is only for end-of-life situations. This document is not limited to end-of-life care. It can guide decisions during any serious illness when you cannot express your wishes.
Having Five Wishes means I won’t receive life-saving treatment. Five Wishes allows you to express your preferences about treatment, but it does not prevent you from receiving necessary medical care if you desire it.

5 Wishes Document Example

FIVE

WISH S®

M Y W I S H F O R :

The Person I Want too Make Car1e Decisions for Me When I Can’t

The Kind of Medical Treat2ment I Want or Don’t Want

How Comfortable3 I Want to Be

How I Want People4 to Treat Me

What I Want My Loved5 Ones to Know

print your name

birthdate

Five Wishes

There are many things in life that are out of our hands. This Five Wishes document gives you a way to control somethingg very

important—how you are treated if you get seriously ill. It is ann easy-to- complete form that lets you say exactly what you want. Once it is filled out and properly signed it is valid under the laws off most states.

What Is Five Wishes?

Five Wishes is the first living will that talks about your personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes. It lets you choose the person you want to make health care decisions for you if you are not able to make them for yourselff. Five Wishes

lets you say exactly how you wish to be

treated if you get seriously ill. It was written with the help of The American Bar

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sentences.

How Five Wishes Can Help You And Your Family

•

It lets

you talk with your family,

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frie

without knowing your wishes.

nds and doctor about how you

wantt

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• You can know what your mom, dad,

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sly ill.

spouse, or friend wants. You can be

•

Your family membe

rs will not have to

there for them when they need you

t. It protects them

most. You will understand what they

guess what you wan

ously ill, because

really want.

if you become seri

How Five Wishes Began

For 12 years, Jim Towey worked closely with Mother Teresa, and, for one year, he lived in a KRVSLFHVKHUDQLQ:DVKLQJWRQ'&,QVSLUHGE\ WKLVILUVWKDQGH[SHULHQFH0U7RZH\VRXJKWD way for patients and their families to plan ahead and to cope with serious illness. The result is

2Five Wishes and the response to it has been

RYHUZKHOPLQJ,WKDVEHHQIHDWXUHGRQ&11 DQG1%&·V7RGD\6KRZDQGLQWKHSDJHVRI Time and MoneyPDJD]LQHV1HZVSDSHUVKDYH called Five Wishes the first “living will with a heart and soul.” Today, Five Wishes is available in 27 languages.

Who Should Use Five Wishes

Five Wishes is for anyone 18 or older — married, single, parents, adult children, and friends. More than 19 million people of all ages have already used it. Because it

works so well, lawyers, doctors, hospitals and hospices, faith communities, employers, and retiree groups are handing outt this document.

Five Wishes States

If you live in the District of Columbia or one of the 42 states listed below, youu can use )LYH:LVKHVDQGKDYHWKHSHDFHRIPLQGWRNQRZWKDWLWVXEVWDQWLDOO\PHHWV\RXUVWDWH·V requirements under the law:

Alaska

Illinois

Montana

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Arizona

Iowa

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Arkansas

Kentucky

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Tennessee

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Vermont

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Maine

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Virginia

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Maryland

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Washington

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Delaware

Massachusetts

West Virginia

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Florida

Michigan

Wisconsin

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Georgia

Minnesota

Oklahoma

Wyoming

Hawaii

Mississippi

Pennsylvania

Idaho

Missouri

Rhode Island

If your state is not one of the 42 states listed here, Five Wishes does not meet the technical UHTXLUHPHQWVLQWKHVWDWXWHVRI\RXUVWDWH6RVRPHGRFWRUVLQ\RXUVWDWHPD\EHUHOXFWDQW to honor Five Wishes. However, many people from states not on this list do complete Five :LVKHVDORQJZLWKWKHLUVWDWH·VOHJDOIRUP7KH\ILQGWKDW)LYH:LVKHVKHOSVWKHPH[SUHVV all that they want and provides a helpful guide to family members, friends, care givers and doctors. Most doctors and health care professionals know they need to listen to your wishes no matter how you express them.

How Do I Change To Five Wishes?

You may already have a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care. If you want to use Five Wishes instead, all you need to do is fill out and sign a new Five Wishes as directed. As soon as you sign it, it takes away any advance directive you had before. To make sure the right form is used, please do the following:

•	D	estroy all copies of your old living will	•	7HOO\RXU+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWIDPLO\
	or durable power of attorney for health			members, and doctor that you have
	care. Or you can write “revoked” in large			filled out a new Five Wishes.
	letters across the copy you have. Tell			Make sure they know about your
	your lawyer if he or she helped prepare			new wishes.
	those old forms for you. AND

WISH 1

The Person I Want To Make Health Care Decisions For Me

When I Can’t Make Them For Myself.

f I am no longer able to make my own health care

• My attending or treating doctor finds I am no

I decisions, this form names the person I choose to

longer able to make health ca

es, AND

re choic

make these choices for me. This person will be my

• Another health care profe

ssional agrees

hat

Health Care Agent (or other term that may be used in

this is true.

MPLE

my state, such as proxy, representative, or surrogate).

If my state has a different

ay of finding that I am not

This person will make my health care choices if both

able to make health c

are choices, then my state’s way

of these things happen:

should be followe

The Person I Choose As My Health Care Agent Is:

First Choice Name

one

Address

City/State/Zip

If this person is not able or willing to make thesee choices for me, OR is divorced or legally separated from me, OR this person has died, then these people aree my next choices:

Second Choice Name

Third Choice Nam

Address

ddress

City/State/Zip

Phone

Picking The R

Your Health Care Agent

ight Person To Be

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can make difficult

Agent should be at least 18 years or older (in

cares about you, and who

ily member may

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decisions. A spouse or fam

not be the best choice because they are too

•

Your health care provider, including the

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owner or operator of a health or residential

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or community care facility serving you.

ho is able to stand up for you so that your

wishes are followed. Also, choose someone who

•

An employee or spouse of an employee of

is likely to be nearby so that they can help when

your health care provider.

you need them. Whether you choose a spouse,

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Agent, make sure you talk about these wishes

more people unless he or she is your

and be sure that this person agrees to respect

spouse or close relative.

I understand that my Health Care Agent can make health care decisions for me. I want my Agent to be able to do the

following: (Please cross out anything you don’t want your Agent to do that is listed below.)

•	Make choices for me about my medical care		6HH DQGDSSURYHUHOHDVHRIP\PHGLFDOUHFRUGV
	or services, like tests, medicine, or surgery.		and personal files. If I need to sign my name to
	This care or service could be to find out what my		JHWDQ\RIWKHVHILOHVP\+HDOW				$JHQWFDQ
	This care or service could be to find out what my		JHWDQ\RIWKHVHILOHVP\+HDOW			K&DUH	$JHQWFDQ
	health problem is, or how to treat it. It can also		sign it for me.
	include care to keep me alive. If the treatment or	•	Move me to another
	FDUHKDVDOUHDG\VWDUWHGP\+HDOWK&DUHAgent	•	Move me to another		state to get the care I need
	FDUHKDVDOUHDG\VWDUWHGP\+HDOWK&DUHAgent		or to carry out m	y wishes.
	can keep it going or have it stopped.		or to carry out m	y wishes.
	can keep it going or have it stopped.

•Interpret any instructions I have given in

this form or given in other discussions, according

WRP\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQW·VXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIP\ wishes and values.

&RQVHQWWRDGPLVVLRQWRDQDVVLVWHGOLYLQJIDFLOLW\ hospital, hospice, or nursing home for me. My +HDOWK&DUH$JHQWFDQKLUHDQ\NLQGRIKHDOWK care worker I may need to help me or take care of me. My Agent may also fire a health care worker, if needed.

•Make the decision to request, take away or not

JLYHPHGLFDOWUHDWPHQWVLQFOXGLQJDUWLILFLDOO\ provided food and water, andd any other treatments to keepp me alive.

•Authorize or refuse to authorize any medication or procedure needed to help with pain.

•Take any legal action needed to carry out my wishes.

•Donate useable organs or tissues of mine as allowed by law.

• Apply for Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs RULQVXUDQFHEHQHILWVIRUPH0\+HDOWK&DUH Agent can see my personal files, like bank records, to find out what is needed to fill out these forms.

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______________________________________________________________________________

If I Change My Mind About Having A Health Care Agent, I Will

•	Destroy all copies of this part of the	• Write the word “Revoked” in large
	Five Wishes form. OR	letters across the name of each agent
• Tell someone, such as my doctor or		whose authority I want to cancel.
• Tell someone, such as my doctor or		6LJQP\QDPHRQWKDWSDJH
	family, that I want to cancel or change	6LJQP\QDPHRQWKDWSDJH
	family, that I want to cancel or change
	P\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWOR

WISH 2

My Wish For The Kind Of Medical Treatment

I Want Or Don’t Want.

I b elieve that my life is precious and I deserve to be treated with dignity. When the timee comes that

I am very sick and am not able to speak for myself, I want the following wishes, and any other directions I have given to my Health Care Agent, to be respected and followed.

What You Should Keep In Mind As My Caregiver

•I do not want to be in pain. I want my doctor to give me enough medicine to relieve my pain, even if that means that I will be drowsy or sleep more than I would otherwise.

•I do nott want anything done or omitted by my doctors or nurses with the intention of taking my life.

•I want to be offered food and fluids by mouth, and kept clean and warm.

What “Life-Support Treatment” Means To Me

/LIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWPHDQVDQ\PHGLFDOSURFH dure, device or medication to keep me alive.

/LIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLQFOXGHVPHGLFDO devices put in me to help me breathe; food and ZDWHUVXSSOLHGE\PHGLFDOGHYLFHWXEHIHHGLQJ FDUGLRSXOPRQDU\UHVXVFLWDWLRQ&35PDMRU surgery; blood transfusions; dialysis; antibiotics;

and anything else meant to keep me alive.

,I,ZLVKWROLPLWWKHPHDQLQJRIOLIHVXSSRUW treatment because of my religious or personal beliefs, I write this limitation in the space below. I do this to make very clear what I want and under what conditions.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

In Case Of An Emergency

Iff you have a medical emergency and ambulance personnel arrive, they may look to see if you have a Do Not Resuscitate form or bracelet. Many states require a person to have a Do Not Resuscitate form filled out and

signed by a doctor. This form lets ambulance SHUVRQQHONQRZWKDW\RXGRQ·WZDQWWKHPWRXVH OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWZKHQ\RXDUHG\LQJ3OHDVH check with your doctor to see if you need to have a Do Not Resuscitate form filled out.

Here is the kind of medical treatment that I want or don’t want in the four situations listed below. I want my Health Care Agent, my family, my doctors and other health care providers, my friends and all others to know these directions.

Close to death:

If my doctor and another health care professional both decide that I am likely to die within a short period of WLPHDQGOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWZRXOGRQO\GHOD\WKH PRPHQWRIP\GHDWK&KRRVHoneRIWKHIROORZLQJ

❏ ,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW

❏ , GRQRWZDQWOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW,ILWKDV been started, I want it stopped.

❏,ZDQWWRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLIP\GRFWRU believes it could help. But I want my doctor to

VWRSJLYLQJPHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLILWLVQRW helping my health condition or symptoms.

In A Coma And Not Expected Too Wake Up Or Recover:

If my doctor and another health care professional both decide that I am in a coma from which I am not expected WRZDNHXSRUUHFRYHUDQG,KDYHEUDLQGDPDJHDQGOLIH support treatment would only delay the moment of my GHDWK&KRRVHoneRIWKHIROORZLQJ

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VWRSJLYLQJPHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLILWLVQRW helping my health condition or symptoms.

Permanent And Severe Brain Damage And Not Expected To Recover:

If my doctor and another health care professional both decide that I have permanentt and severe brain damage,

(for example, I can open myy eyes, but I can not speak RUXQGHUVWDQGDQG,DPQRWH[SHFWHGWRJHWEHWWHUDQG OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWZRXOGRQO\GHOD\WKHPRPHQWRI P\GHDWK&KRRVHoneRIWKHIROORZLQJ

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VWRSJLYLQJPHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWLILWLVQRW helping my health condition or symptoms.

In Another Condition Under Which I Do Not Wish To Be Kept Alive:

If there is another condition under which I do not wish WRKDYHOLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW,GHVFULEHLWEHORZ,Q this condition, I believe that the costs and burdens of

OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQWDUHWRRPXFKDQGQRWZRUWKWKH benefits to me. Therefore, in this condition, I do not want OLIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW)RUH[DPSOH\RXPD\ZULWH ´HQGVWDJHFRQGLWLRQµ7KDWPHDQVWKDW\RXUKHDOWKKDV gotten worse. You are not able to take care of yourself in DQ\ZD\PHQWDOO\RUSK\VLFDOO\/LIHVXSSRUWWUHDWPHQW will not help you recover. Please leave the space blank if \RXKDYHQRRWKHUFRQGLWLRQWRGHVFULEH

________________________________________________________________________________________

Th e next three wishes deal with my personal, spiritual and emotional wishes. They are important to me. I want to be treated with dignity near the end of my life, so I would like people to do the things

written in Wishes 3, 4, and 5 when they can be done. I understand that my family, my doctors and other health care providers, my friends, and others may not be able to do these things or are not required by law to do these things. I do not expect the following wishes to place new or added legal duties on my doctors or other health care providers. I also do not expect these wishes to excuse my doctor or other health care providers from giving mee the proper care asked for by law.

WISH 3

My Wish For How Comfortable I Want To Bee.

(Please cross out anything that you don’t agree with.)

•I do not want to be in pain. I want my doctor to give me enough medicine to relieve my pain, even if that means I will be drowsy or sleep more than I would otherwise.

•If I show signs of depression, nausea, shortness of breath, or hallucinations, I want my care givers to do whatever they can to help me.

•I wish to have a cool moist cloth put onn my head if I have a fever.

•I want my lips and mouth kept moist to stop dryness.

•I wish to have warm baths often. I wish to be kept fresh and clean at all times.

•I wishh to be massaged with warm oils as often as I can be.

•I wish to have my favorite music played when possible until my time of death.

•I wish to have personal care like shaving, nail clipping, hair brushing, and teeth brushing, as long as they do not cause me pain or discomfort.

,ZLVKWRKDYHUHOLJLRXVUHDGLQJVDQGZHOO loved poems read aloud when I am near death.

•I wish to know about options for hospice care to provide medical, emotional and spiritual care for me and my loved ones.

WISH 4

My Wish For How I Want People To Treat Me.

(Please cross out anything that you don’t agree with.)

•I wish to have people with me when possible. I want someone to be with me when it seems that death may come at any time.

•I wish to have my hand held and to be talked

WRZKHQSRVVLEOHHYHQLI,GRQ·WVHHPWR respond to the voice or touch of others.

•I wish to have others by my side praying for me when possible.

•I wish to have the members of my faith community told that I am sick and asked to pray for me and visit me.

•I wish to be cared for with kindness and cheerfulness, and not sadness.

•I wish to have pictures of my loved ones in my room, near my bed.

•If I am not able to control my bowel or bladder functions, I wish for my clothes and bed linens to be kept clean, and for them to be changed as soon as they can be if they have been soiled.

•I want to die in my home, if that can be done.

WISH 5

My Wish For What I Want My Loved Ones To Know.

(Please cross out anything that you don’t agree with.)

•I wish to have my family and friends know that I love them.

•I wish to be forgiven for the times I have hurt my family, friends, and others.

•I wish to have my family, friends and others know that I forgive them for when they may have hurt me in my life.

•I wish for my family and friends to know that I do not fear death itself. I think it is not the end, but a new beginning for me.

•I wish for all of my family members to make peace with each other before my death, if they can.

•I wish for my family and friends to think about what I was like before I became seriously ill. I want them too remember me in this way after my death.

•I wish for my family and friends and caregivers to respect my wishes even if

WKH\GRQ·WDJUHHZLWKWKHP

•I wish for my family and friends to look at my dying as a time of personal growth for everyone, including me. This will help me livee a meaningful life in my final days.

•I wish for my family and friends to get counseling if they have trouble with my death. I want memories of my life to give

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•After my death, I would like my body to

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•My body or remains should be put in the

following

location

•The following person knows my funeral

wishes:.

If anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me:

_________________________________________________________________________________

If there is to bee a memorial service for me, I wish for this service to include the following

OLVWPXVLFVRQJVUHDGLQJVRURWKHUVSHFLILFUHTXHVWVWKDW\RXKDYH

_________________________________________________________________________________

(Please use the space below for any other wishes. For example, you may want to donate any or all parts of your body when you die. You may also wish to designate a charity to receive memorial contributions. Please attach a VH DUDWHVKHHWRI D HULI\RXQHHGPRUHVSDFH

______________________________________________________________________________________

Signing The Five Wishes Form

Please make sure you sign your Five Wishes form in the presence of the two witnesses.

I, _________________________________, ask that my family, my doctors, and other health care providers,

P\IULHQGVDQGDOORWKHUVIROORZP\ZLVKHVDVFRPPXQLFDWHGE\P\+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWLI,KDYHRQHDQGKH RUVKHLVDYDLODEOHRUDVRWKHUZLVHH[SUHVVHGLQWKLVIRUP7KLVIRUPEHFRPHVYDOLGZKHQ,DPXQDEOHWRPDNH decisions or speak for myself. If any part of this form cannot be legally followed, I ask that all other parts of this form be followed. I also revoke any health care advance directives I have made before.

Signature:		___
Address:
Phone:	Date:		__

Witness Statement • (2 witnesses needed):

,WKHZLWQHVVGHFODUHWKDWWKHSHUVRQZKRVLJQHGRUDFNQRZOHGJHGWKLVIRUPKHUHDIWHU´SHUVRQµLVSHUVRQDOO\NQRZQWR PHWKDWKHVKHVLJQHGRUDFNQRZOHGJHGWKLV>+HDOWK&DUH$JHQWDQGRU/LYLQJ:LOOIRUPV@LQP\SUHVHQFHDQGWKDWKHVKH appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud, or undue influence.

,DOVRGHFODUHWKDW,DPRYHU\HDUVRIDJHDQGDP127

•The individual appointed as (agent/proxy/

VXUURJDWHSDWLHQWDGYRFDWHUHSUHVHQWDWLYHE\ this document or his/her successor,

•7KHSHUVRQ·VKHDOWKFDUHSURYLGHULQFOXGLQJ RZQHURURSHUDWRURIDKHDOWKORQJWHUPFDUH or other residential or community care facility serving the person,

•$QHPSOR\HHRIWKHSHUVRQ·VKHDOWKFDUH provider,

•)LQDQFLDOO\UHVSRQVLEOHIRUWKHSHUVRQ·V health care,

•An employee of a life or health insurance provider for the person,

•Related to the person by blood, marriage, or adoption, and,

•To the best of my knowledge, a creditor of the person or entitled to any part of his/her estate under a will or codicil, by operation of law.

(Some states may have fewer rules about who may be a witness. Unless you know your state’s rules, please follow the above.)


Signature of Witness				Signature of Witness #2
Signature of Witness			#1	Signature of Witness #2

Printed Name of Witn				Printed Name of Witness
Printed Name of Witn		ess		Printed Name of Witness

Address				Address

				Phone
	Phone
	Phone

Notarization • Only required for residents of Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia

•If you live in Missouri, only your signature should be notarized.

•,I\RXOLYHLQ1RUWK&DUROLQD6RXWK&DUROLQDRU:HVW9LUJLQLD you should have your signature, and the signatures of your witnesses, notarized.

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Key takeaways

Five Wishes is a personal document. It allows individuals to express their medical, emotional, and spiritual wishes regarding healthcare. This ensures that your preferences are known and respected if you cannot communicate them yourself.
It designates a Health Care Agent. You can choose someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. This person should understand your values and wishes, making it easier for them to advocate for you when necessary.
Filling it out is straightforward. The form is designed to be easy to complete. You can check boxes, circle options, or write brief notes. This simplicity helps ensure that your wishes are clear.
Legal validity varies by state. Five Wishes is recognized in 42 states and the District of Columbia. However, if you live in a state not listed, it may not meet local legal requirements. It's important to check your state's laws to ensure your document is valid.

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Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Five Wishes Document form, it is essential to approach the process with care and consideration. Here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

Do clearly print your name and birthdate to ensure your document is properly identified.
Do discuss your wishes with your chosen health care agent to ensure they understand your preferences.
Do review the document thoroughly before signing to confirm all information is accurate and complete.
Do keep a copy of the signed document in a safe place and share it with your family and health care providers.

Don't leave any sections blank, as this could lead to confusion or misinterpretation of your wishes.
Don't choose a health care agent who may have conflicting interests or emotional biases that could affect their decision-making.
Don't ignore state-specific requirements; ensure that your document complies with local laws.
Don't hesitate to seek help if you have questions or concerns about filling out the form.

Similar forms

The Five Wishes document is similar to a living will. A living will allows individuals to express their preferences regarding medical treatments in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. Like Five Wishes, a living will is an advance directive that provides guidance to healthcare providers and family members about the types of medical interventions a person would want or refuse. Both documents aim to ensure that an individual's wishes regarding end-of-life care are honored, though Five Wishes also addresses emotional and spiritual needs in addition to medical preferences.

Another document similar to Five Wishes is a durable power of attorney for healthcare. This document designates a specific person to make healthcare decisions on someone’s behalf if they are unable to do so. While a durable power of attorney primarily focuses on medical decision-making, Five Wishes encompasses a broader range of personal wishes, including comfort and treatment preferences. Both documents work together to provide comprehensive guidance about a person's healthcare choices.

For those interested in establishing a corporation, understanding the basics of the Articles of Incorporation form requirements is essential. This form not only serves to officially create a corporation but also outlines vital information related to its operations and purpose. Properly filling out this document is a significant step in laying the groundwork for a successful business endeavor.

The advance directive is also comparable to the Five Wishes document. An advance directive is a general term that includes various legal documents outlining a person's healthcare preferences when they cannot make decisions themselves. Five Wishes falls under this category but stands out by allowing individuals to articulate not only their medical wishes but also their personal values and desires for care. This holistic approach helps ensure that healthcare providers understand the individual’s overall preferences.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders share similarities with the Five Wishes document as well. A DNR order specifically instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if a person's heart stops beating. While a DNR focuses solely on resuscitation efforts, Five Wishes allows individuals to express broader preferences regarding their medical treatment and end-of-life care. Both documents are crucial for communicating a person's wishes to healthcare providers and loved ones.

Lastly, the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is akin to the Five Wishes document. A POLST form translates a patient’s preferences for treatment into actionable medical orders that healthcare professionals must follow. Similar to Five Wishes, the POLST form addresses the types of medical interventions a patient desires or wishes to avoid. However, Five Wishes goes beyond medical orders by including personal and emotional aspects of care, making it a more comprehensive document for expressing one’s wishes.