Advanced Directives
At Glendora Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital, we want our patients to understand
their right to make medical treatement decisions. The hospital has formal
policies to ensure that your wishes about treatment are followed. You
have the right to participate in decisions about your care. If you can't
make treatment decisions because you are too sick, your doctor will ask
your closest available relative or friend to help decide what is best
for you. Most of the time that works.
Sometimes, however, everyone doesn't agree about what to do. That is why
it is helpful if you decide in advance what you want to happen if you
can't speak for yourself and which family members of friends you would
like to speak for you.
Under California law, an advanced directive called a Durable Power of Attorney
for Healthcare enables you to designate in writing who you would like
to speak to doctors and nurses when you are unable to do so.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare forms are available in English
and Spanish through Social Services. On admission, you will receive more
information about advance directives.
Remember, you do not need an advance directive if you can tell your doctors
and nurses what care you want and which care you do not want. Ask your
doctor, registered nurse, or social worker for more information on advance
directives.