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Video: Understanding Advance Directives Seminar

Panelists speak with community members during a Monadnock Community Hospital seminar about advance directives, with a presentation slide and seated audience visible.
Overview
Video: Understanding Advance Directives Seminar

Understanding Your Health: Educational Videos

Stylized icon of a person with arms raised, symbolizing vitality and well-being. A medical cross and a heart with a heartbeat line are connected to the figure, representing health and proactive care.Understanding Your Health is a free educational video series from Monadnock Community Hospital designed to inform, support, and empower our community. Each session features trusted healthcare professionals sharing expert insights on topics that matter most to your health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle, you’re in the right place.

Part of the Health & Wellness Seminars at Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH)

Advance care planning is not only for older adults or people facing a serious illness. An unexpected medical emergency can happen at any age, and preparing in advance can help ensure your healthcare wishes are understood and respected.

In this free Health and Wellness Seminar, a panel from Monadnock Community Hospital explains advance directives, how they work and how they can support patients and their loved ones during difficult medical decisions.

The presentation explores the two primary parts of an advance directive: a durable power of attorney for healthcare and a living will. Viewers will learn how to choose a trusted healthcare decision-maker, what may happen when someone does not have an advance directive and why these documents should be reviewed as health, relationships and personal preferences change.

The panel also explains the differences between advance directives and medical orders such as Do Not Resuscitate, or DNR, orders and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, commonly called POLST. These documents serve different purposes and may be used in different situations.

The presentation provides an emergency response perspective, including where emergency personnel typically look for medical information and why important documents must be readily available. The panel emphasizes that a DNR does not mean “do not treat.” It applies specifically to resuscitation, while other appropriate care may still be provided.

The seminar concludes with practical guidance for beginning conversations with family members, trusted friends and healthcare professionals. Open communication can help a chosen decision-maker understand not simply what they would want for you, but what you would want for yourself.

What You Will Learn

  • What an advance directive is and why it matters
  • How a durable power of attorney for healthcare works
  • What to consider when choosing a healthcare decision-maker
  • How a living will communicates your general care preferences
  • The differences between a living will, DNR and POLST
  • How emergency responders use medical orders and documents
  • Where to keep copies of important healthcare information
  • How to discuss your wishes with loved ones
  • When to review or replace an existing advance directive

Featured Panelists

Molly Rajaniemi, MBA, CHC
Coordinator for Patient Experience, Performance Improvement and ADA/Interpreter Services

Michael Greenough, AEMT
EMS Coordinator and Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Lucas Shippee, DO
Internal Medicine Physician

Lisa McInnis, CPC-A
Value Based Care Coordinator

Watch the Seminar

Graphic promoting the “Planning Ahead: Understanding Advance Directives” seminar video, featuring a photo of panelists speaking with community members at Monadnock Community Hospital.
Understanding Advance Directives: Planning Ahead at Any Age

This presentation provides general educational information. It is not a substitute for personalized medical or legal advice. Talk with your healthcare team or a qualified legal professional about questions related to your individual situation.

Presentation PDF

Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives

What is an advance directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that explains your healthcare wishes in case you are unable to communicate or make medical decisions for yourself. In New Hampshire, it typically includes a durable power of attorney for healthcare and a living will.

Who should have an advance directive?

Advance directives are recommended for adults of all ages. They are not only for older adults or people with serious illnesses. A medical emergency can happen unexpectedly, so planning ahead can help ensure your wishes are understood.

What is a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

A durable power of attorney for healthcare is the person you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person should understand your values, respect your wishes, and be willing to act in your best interest.

What is the difference between a living will and a healthcare power of attorney?

A living will describes the types of medical treatment you would or would not want in certain situations. A healthcare power of attorney identifies the person who can make decisions for you if you lose the ability to make them yourself.

Is an advance directive the same as a DNR?

No. An advance directive provides general guidance about your healthcare wishes. A Do Not Resuscitate, or DNR, order is a medical order that specifically tells healthcare professionals not to perform CPR if your heart or breathing stops.

What is a POLST form?

A POLST, or Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment, is a medical order for people with serious health conditions or advanced illness. It gives healthcare professionals specific instructions about treatments such as CPR, hospitalization, antibiotics, artificial nutrition and comfort-focused care.

Does having a DNR mean I will not receive medical treatment?

No. A DNR only applies to resuscitation if your heart or breathing stops. It does not mean “do not treat.” You may still receive other care, including medications, oxygen, pain relief, antibiotics or hospital treatment, depending on your wishes and medical condition.

Where should I keep my advance directive?

Keep copies where they can be found easily. You may want to provide copies to your healthcare decision-maker, primary care office, specialists, local hospital, and attorney. It is also helpful to keep a copy in your personal records and tell loved ones where it is stored.

Can I change my advance directive?

Yes. You can update your advance directive whenever your wishes, health, relationships, or circumstances change. The newest valid version generally replaces earlier versions, so remember to give updated copies to the people and healthcare organizations that have the document on file.

Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance directive?

In many cases, no. Advance directive forms are available through healthcare organizations and trusted community resources. However, you may want legal guidance if you have complex family, financial or legal concerns.

How do I start a conversation about advance care planning?

Choose a calm, comfortable setting and begin by explaining why planning ahead matters to you. Talk about your values, what quality of life means to you and which treatments you would or would not want. These conversations do not need to happen all at once and can be revisited over time.

Where can I learn more about advance directives?

Watch Monadnock Community Hospital’s free seminar, Planning Ahead: Understanding Advance Directives, for a clear overview of advance directives, living wills, DNRs, POLST forms and conversations with loved ones.

Learn more about MCH’s Health and Wellness Seminars
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