[widgeon13]

I'm not a lawyer or doctor but know this is a very complex issue involved with medical ethics, legal obligations and law as well as personal issues. State laws vary as well and there are different documents that have different purposes. Health care proxy, living will, DNR are all advance directives but have different purposes.

My mother (age 97) and in a nursing home w/ Alzheimer's, has a heath care proxy document and it is directed that I execute her wishes at the appropriate time for all care since she is no longer capable of making those decisions. It is a huge personal responsibility and while I freely make decisions on whether she should have flu shots or pneumonia vaccinations, I have not been in a position to go beyond that.

Having said that, I think some directive is very worthwhile for all who wish to sign one. Investigate it and do what you believe is appropriate.