Advance Directives
Communicate Your Health Care and End-of-Life Wishes
Advance Directives Most people don’t want to burden their family with tough decisions. Yet few talk about end-of-life planning with their loved ones. It’s a tough conversation to have, but it’s also vitally important.
Learn more about your options and how to start that conversation with your loved ones.
Advance Directives
Advance Directives communicates your goals and wishes for the care you’d like to receive if you become too sick to make health care decisions on your own. You can outline in advance the kinds of treatments you do or don’t want.
Types of Advance Directives
A Health Care Proxy is someone you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to speak for yourself. This trusted individual acts as your voice and is also referred to as your Medical Power of Attorney.
At JS Global Hospital, we emphasize the importance of planning ahead. In Massachusetts, if you are unable to make or express your own health care decisions, a completed Health Care Proxy Form is the only legally recognized document regarding your medical care. That’s why we encourage all our patients to take this important step and complete a proxy form in advance—for peace of mind and better care when it matters most.
A Living Will, also known as a Treatment Directive, is a legal document that informs your family and doctors about the type of medical treatment you wish to receive—especially as you approach the end of life or if you are no longer able to communicate your decisions.
At JS Global Hospital, we believe in honoring your choices and ensuring that your care aligns with your values and preferences. Having a Living Will in place helps guide your loved ones and medical team with clarity and confidence during difficult times.
Getting Started
You can obtain Health Care Proxy and Living Will forms at various places, including your doctor’s office, hospital, law office, senior centers, nursing homes, or local and state offices for aging services. Advance Directives These forms are also available online for your convenience. Once completed, it’s important to share copies with your family members and your medical team to ensure your wishes are respected.
At JS Global Hospital, we encourage you to take your time as you fill out your Advance Directive. Consider different treatment options and have open, honest conversations with your loved ones about your preferences—especially regarding hospice or palliative care.
Some key decisions to think about:
Do you want to be fed or receive fluids through a tube if you can’t eat or drink?
Would you want dialysis if your kidneys stop working?
Would you want to be placed on a ventilator if you can’t breathe on your own?
Should doctors perform CPR if your heart stops?
Would you want to receive strong medications to treat life-threatening infections?
These are deeply personal and sometimes difficult decisions—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our compassionate care team—including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains—is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Advance Directives
Advance Planning Resources
Advance Directives Take control of your future health care decisions with confidence.
Learn more about choosing a Health Care Proxy and download the official Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Form to get started.
Understand your options for advance care planning, including Advance Directives, End-of-Life Planning, Health Care Proxy, Hospice Care, Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST), and Palliative Care through the resource guide Know Your Choices: A Guide for Patients with Serious and Advancing Illness. Advance Directives
To access the guide in multiple languages, visit the Massachusetts End of Life Care website.
For personalized guidance or additional information, please contact the JS Global Hospital Patient Information Office at 617-499-5031. We’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.