Advanced Directive

Creating a plan for unexpected situations

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about your health care, now and at the end of your life, ahead of time in the event you are unable to communicate them. Having the ability to express your wants and needs through these documents can be helpful to your family and medical staff, but can also give you the opportunity to have power over your most personal wishes.

We know it may be difficult to discuss these serious issues. Below you will find a few very helpful documents that can help you start having these conversations or create a legal document expressing your plans and desires for your care.

Gary Burnstein Clinic Advanced Directive Resources

Michigan Patient Advocate Designation

This medical power of attorney allows you to choose another individual to speak for you and make health care decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to do so yourself.

Please see the Michigan Patient Advocate Designation for more details

 Five Wishes

This document is a complete approach to discussing and documenting your care and comfort choices. It is an easy-to-use legal advance directive document written in everyday language. It helps all adults, regardless of age or health, to consider and document how they want to be cared for at the end of life.

Please see the Five Wishes Form for more info.

 Your Conversation Starter

When it comes to end-of-life care, talking matters. This conversation starter kit can help start this conversation.

See the Conversation Starter Kit

 How to Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss end-of-life care with your doctor, nurse, or other health care provider.

See the Conversation Starter Kit for Talking to Your Doctor