The Five wishes is described as “ the living will with heart and soul”. The inspiration began with founder, Jim Towey, who worked closely with Mother Teresa as her legal counselor and over the years became her friend and trusted advisor. He lived for one year at a hospice in Washington, DC and got to see first hand what people wanted and learned what was important to them before their death. It was through Mother Teresa’s urging that Jim founded “Aging with Dignity”, a private, non-for-profit organization founded in 1996.
The Five Wishes is the first advanced care plan which addresses personal, emotional and spiritual wishes in addition to medical treatment. It is the combination of a living will and health care power of attorney in addition to addressing matters of comfort care and spirituality. It is an easy-to-complete form that lets you say exactly what you want and, when signed and witnessed, it is legal in most states.
How the Five wishes can benefit you and your family:
It lets you talk with your family, friends and doctors about how you want to be treated if you become seriously ill.
Your family members will not have to guess what you want or make difficult choices.
You can be there for your loved ones when they need you the most.
Who can use the Five Wishes:
Anyone 18 years or older
Single, married, adult children, friends
How do I change to Five Wishes:
You may already have a living will or power of attorney for health care. Once you complete and sign the Five wishes, it takes away the advanced directive you’ve had before.
Destroy all old copies or write revoked on the old documents.
Make sure your health care agents, family members, doctors, have a copy or know about your new wishes.
There are too many things in life that we have no control over and are out of our hands. This Five wishes document gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on issues of real importance-human care.