Fill in a Valid 5 Wishes Document Template

The Five Wishes Document is a legal form that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. This document not only addresses medical treatment decisions but also encompasses personal, emotional, and spiritual needs. By completing this form, individuals can ensure their loved ones understand their desires regarding medical care, comfort, and treatment, providing peace of mind during challenging times.

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Fill in a Valid 5 Wishes Document Template

Table of Contents

Life can be unpredictable, and many aspects are beyond our control. However, one crucial area where you can assert your wishes is in medical care, especially during serious illness. The Five Wishes document provides a simple yet powerful way to communicate your healthcare preferences. This form covers five key areas: it allows you to designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so, outlines the types of medical treatments you want or do not want, specifies your comfort preferences, describes how you wish to be treated by others, and conveys important messages you want your loved ones to know. Developed with the support of the American Bar Association, Five Wishes is designed to address not just your medical needs, but also your emotional and spiritual concerns. Once completed and signed, it is legally recognized in most states, making it a vital tool for anyone over 18. The ease of use—where you can check boxes, circle options, or write brief notes—ensures that your wishes are clear and accessible. With over 19 million people having utilized this document, it has gained widespread acceptance among healthcare professionals, families, and communities alike. Whether you are single, married, or have children, Five Wishes empowers you to take control of your healthcare decisions and helps relieve the burden on your family during difficult times.

Documents used along the form

The Five Wishes document serves as a crucial tool for individuals seeking to articulate their healthcare preferences in the event of a serious illness. However, it is often accompanied by several other important forms and documents that further clarify and support an individual's healthcare decisions. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a unique purpose in the realm of healthcare planning.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document allows an individual to designate someone as their agent to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Unlike Five Wishes, which outlines specific wishes, this form focuses on granting authority to another person to act in medical matters.
Living Will: A living will is a legal document that specifies what medical treatments an individual does or does not want if they are unable to communicate their wishes. It typically focuses on life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care, providing clear guidance to healthcare providers and family members.
Healthcare Proxy: Similar to a durable power of attorney, a healthcare proxy designates a specific person to make healthcare decisions. This document is often used interchangeably with the durable power of attorney for health care, but it may have different legal implications depending on state laws.
Hold Harmless Agreement: This legal document helps protect individuals from liability by ensuring that one party will not hold another responsible for any injuries or damages. For further guidance on this agreement, visit txtemplate.com/hold-harmless-agreement-pdf-template/.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order is a medical order that indicates a person does not wish to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac arrest. This document is critical for individuals who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving interventions.
Organ Donation Registration: This document indicates an individual's wishes regarding organ donation after death. It can be a standalone form or included as part of other advance directives, ensuring that one's preferences about organ donation are honored.

These documents work together to provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare planning. By utilizing the Five Wishes document alongside these additional forms, individuals can ensure that their medical preferences are clearly communicated and respected, relieving their loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions during challenging times.

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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

$VVRFLDWLRQ·V&RPPLVVLRQRQ/DZDQG$JLQJ DQGWKHQDWLRQ·VOHDGLQJH[SHUWVLQHQGRIOLIH FDUH,W·VDOVRHDV\WRXVH$OO\RXKDYHWRGRLV check a box, circle a direction, or write a few

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

to be treated if you become

• You can know what your mom, dad,

seriou

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

&KRRVHVRPHRQHZKRNQRZV\RXYHU\ZHOO

DQGIROORZ\RXUZLVKHV<RXU+HDOWK&DUH

can make difficult

Agent should be at least 18 years or older (in

cares about you, and who

ily member may

&RORUDGR\HDUVRUROGHUDQGVKRXOGnot be:

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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FAQ

What is the Five Wishes document?

The Five Wishes document is a living will that addresses not only your medical preferences but also your personal, emotional, and spiritual needs. It allows you to designate someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This easy-to-complete form helps ensure that your wishes are known and respected in times of serious illness.

Who can use the Five Wishes document?

Anyone aged 18 or older can use the Five Wishes document. This includes married individuals, single people, parents, adult children, and friends. Over 19 million people have already utilized this tool, making it a trusted resource for individuals across various backgrounds.

How does Five Wishes help families?

Five Wishes facilitates open conversations about healthcare preferences among family members. It relieves loved ones from having to make difficult decisions without knowing your wishes. By discussing and documenting your preferences, you empower your family to act in accordance with your desires during challenging times.

What states recognize the Five Wishes document?

Five Wishes is valid in the District of Columbia and 42 states, including Alaska, Florida, and Wisconsin, among others. If you live in a state not listed, the document may not meet specific legal requirements, but many healthcare professionals still honor it as a guide for your wishes.

How can I change my existing advance directives to Five Wishes?

If you already have a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare and wish to switch to Five Wishes, simply complete and sign the new document. Make sure to:

Destroy all copies of your previous advance directives.
Inform your healthcare agent and family members about the new document.
Notify your lawyer if they assisted with your prior documents.

What should I consider when choosing a health care agent?

Choosing the right health care agent is crucial. Select someone who knows you well and can advocate for your wishes. This person should be at least 18 years old and ideally someone who can be present when needed. Avoid choosing a healthcare provider or anyone who might have a conflict of interest, such as employees of a facility where you receive care.

Key takeaways

The Five Wishes Document is an essential tool for individuals to communicate their healthcare preferences. Here are key takeaways regarding its completion and use:

Personal Control: The Five Wishes Document allows individuals to express their medical treatment preferences, ensuring their values and wishes are honored in times of serious illness.
Designating a Health Care Agent: It is crucial to select a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person should be someone who understands your wishes and is willing to advocate for you.
Clear Communication: Completing the document fosters important discussions with family and friends about your healthcare desires, alleviating the burden of decision-making during difficult times.
State Validity: The Five Wishes Document is recognized in 42 states and the District of Columbia. It is important to verify that your state accepts this document to ensure its legal validity.
Revocation of Previous Directives: If you wish to use the Five Wishes Document, it automatically revokes any previous living wills or advance directives. Ensure all old documents are destroyed or marked as revoked.
Accessibility: The document is designed to be user-friendly, requiring only simple checkboxes or brief written responses. It is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a diverse population.

Form Characteristics

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The Five Wishes document allows individuals to express their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs alongside their medical wishes in case they become seriously ill.
Health Care Agent	It enables users to designate a trusted person to make health care decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so themselves.
Legal Validity	Once completed and signed, the Five Wishes document is valid under the laws of most states, ensuring that a person's wishes are honored.
Ease of Use	The form is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to simply check boxes, circle options, or write brief statements about their preferences.
State-Specific Laws	In states like California and Florida, Five Wishes meets legal requirements for advance directives, while in other states, it may not be legally binding.
Widespread Adoption	More than 19 million people across various demographics have utilized Five Wishes, making it a widely recognized tool for advance care planning.