The Area Agency on Aging and the Elder Law, Mental Health and Special Needs Planning Section of the State Bar of Arizona are partnering to provide individuals with free consultation to develop their living will and healthcare power of attorney at the “Night of the Living Will,” on Saturday morning, Oct. 26.
This event will be held in central Phoenix, however, reservations for specific appointments with an attorney are required. Once an appointment is scheduled, an address will be provided. To schedule an appointment, call the 24-Hour SeniorHELP LINE at (602) 264-4357.
“Night of the Living Will“ is open to anyone 18 years or older.
“It’s never too early to have a plan in place so that personal choices are determined about who will manage your medical affairs if you are unable,” said Area Agency on Aging President and CEO Mary Lynn Kasunic. “We are grateful to the attorneys who will volunteer their time to make this opportunity available to the community.”
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document appointing an “agent” and an “alternate agent” to make medical decisions for someone unable to do so. A living will is a legal document providing instructions to the agent under a healthcare power of attorney about how an individual wants to be treated in end-of-life situations.
Individuals participating in the event should bring a photo ID and full name and contact information for the persons to be designated as agent and alternate agent. Participants also should be prepared to discuss funeral arrangements (burial or cremation), organ donation and any pre-paid burial plans already in place.
Attorneys will only be able to discuss healthcare powers of attorney and living wills during the hour-long sessions and cannot provide counsel on other legal issues.
