Where Do I Store My Healthcare Directive?
From web-based subscription services to apps for your phone, there are several services that offer secure ways to store your healthcare directive. While many of these services offer a convenient solution to quickly access to your healthcare directive, you can find simple and free ways to store your living will.
In paper form, you should store your healthcare directive at home and give one copy to your attorney. Be sure to give a copy to any relatives that might be called upon to let doctors know of your wishes.
For a digital copy, you could use a service that will store a copy for a small monthly fee. But you could also keep a copy on a service like Dropbox where you keep it in a folder that you can share with the important people in your life. These services are widely accessible on any computer or mobile phone that connects to the Internet.
In place of a digital storing service like Dropbox, you can always use web-based email service like AOL, Google, and Hotmail. Send a copy of the scanned document to yourself (or your spouse) and file it in one of your archive folders.
Whether you are at home or in a foreign country, you will want quick access to your healthcare directive. Take a few moments to assess your comfort with your digital options, and make the choice that’s right for you and your family.