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Advance Directives
There are several legal documents that
may help you make clear your personal decisions about your future
health care and long-term plan. It is important to take these steps NOW so
that those who care about you and care for you understand your
plan. These documents guide your family and health care providers.
See Advance Directives Workbook (129Kb pdf file)
is the simplest form to complete
and can be done by you without an attorney or a notary. The purpose
of this form is for you to designate the person who will make health
care decisions for you should you be unable to do so in the future. Copies belong with you, your health care
proxy and each of your doctors.
Based on your estate assets, you may
be eligible for various government programs. If you have not done
so already, you should see an attorney for financial planning purposes.
We have a partial list of attorneys in the tri-state area that we can recommend. For information on accessing government benefits, community services,
please schedule an appointment to see our central social worker, Debbie Thorne, at (212) 305-9172 or email thorned@ghsc.cpmc.columbia.edu, for consultation.
Everyone should consult
an attorney to prepare a durable power of attorney. This is where
you designate who will make financial decisions for you if you are
not able to do so.
consists of specific detailed instructions
about your future health care plans. Copies should be filed with
each of your doctors, your health care proxy and you. The living
will is only active if you are not able to make your own health care
decisions.
is the most significant contribution
that a person can make. It is a gift of knowledge to your family
and to neuroscience research. Contact Carol Moskowitz at (212) 305-5779
to learn more. The National HD Brain Donor Program is part of the
New York Brain Bank at Columbia University under the direction of
Jean-Paul Vonsattel, Ph.D. New York Brain
Bank website: NYBB.HS.COLUMBIA.EDU
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