UUFoM’s Pastoral Care Team collaborated with MyMichigan Health (MMH) to bring information to the congregation and friends about advance care planning. Information about Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and what resuscitation could entail, options regarding care, and much more was shared with attendees.
MMH provided copies to attendees of the Designation of Patient Advocate Form, Sharing Your Advance Directive with MyMichigan Health, and A Guide to Completing Your Designation of Patient Advocate Form. All of these forms are available on the website and we have copies in the office.
Rev. Eric and Pastoral Care also designed a confidential Life Crisis Form to remain on file with UUFoM accessible by designated administrative staff and Pastoral Care members. There will be an online form soon. There are paper copies at the office.
Your patient advocate is the person you appoint to make decisions about your healthcare if you become unable to make those decisions yourself. Your agent may be a family member or a close friend whom you trust to make serious decisions. The person you name as your agent should clearly understand your wishes and be willing to accept the responsibility of making healthcare decisions for you. You can appoint a second person as an alternate advocate. An alternate advocate will step in if the person you name as advocate is unable, unwilling, or unavailable to act for you. They must be 18 or older.
After completing your Designation of Patient Advocate/Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, it must be witnessed by two people. A valid DNR must be signed by a medical doctor. Your two witnesses must sign together at the same time. Your witnesses DO NOT need to read your document. There are limits on witnesses. Witnesses must not be:
- Spouse, parent, child, grandchild, grandparent, or sibling
- Presumptive heir or a known beneficiary at time of signing
- Your physician
- Your patient advocate
- Employee of your life or health insurance provider
- Employee of a health facility where you are treated
- Employee of a home for the aged where you reside
If you need witnesses to sign, Rev. Eric Severson, Wendy Altmeier, and members of Pastoral Care are available after most Sunday services. If you’d like, UUFoM can file a copy of your confidential document(s), make copies or scan your documents. Please let Eric ([email protected]) or Wendy ([email protected]) know in person or via email if you’d like any of these options or if you have any questions. All of the forms can be found here.
More information, including a FAQ, can be found on their website.