Five Wishes

Five Wishes
Created	1996
Author(s)	Aging with Dignity
Purpose	Advance directive

Five Wishes is an advance directive created by the non-profit organization Aging with Dignity. It is a legal document that helps individuals express their wishes regarding medical care and treatment in the event that they become unable to communicate their decisions. The document is designed to address both medical and personal aspects of care, making it a comprehensive tool for end-of-life care planning.

History

Five Wishes was first introduced in 1996 by Aging with Dignity, an organization founded by Jim Towey. The document was created to provide a simple and user-friendly way for people to express their preferences for medical treatment and personal care. It has since been recognized in 42 states and the District of Columbia as a legal document.

Structure

The Five Wishes document is divided into five sections, each addressing a different aspect of care:

1. **Wish 1: The Person I Want to Make Care Decisions for Me When I Can't** - This section allows individuals to designate a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare.
2. **Wish 2: The Kind of Medical Treatment I Want or Don't Want** - This section outlines preferences for life-sustaining treatment, including resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and tube feeding.
3. **Wish 3: How Comfortable I Want to Be** - This section addresses preferences for pain management, hospice care, and other measures to ensure comfort.
4. **Wish 4: How I Want People to Treat Me** - This section includes personal requests for how individuals wish to be treated, such as having loved ones nearby or specific religious or spiritual practices.
5. **Wish 5: What I Want My Loved Ones to Know** - This section allows individuals to leave personal messages, including expressions of love, forgiveness, and other important thoughts.

Legal Status

Five Wishes is legally recognized as an advance directive in 42 states and the District of Columbia. In states where it is not legally binding, it can still be used as a helpful guide for family members and healthcare providers to understand an individual's preferences.

Usage

The document is widely used by individuals, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate discussions about end-of-life care. It is available in multiple languages and has been praised for its simplicity and comprehensiveness.

See Also

• Advance healthcare directive
• Living will
• Durable power of attorney
• Palliative care
• Hospice care