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Advance Directives

Make your healthcare wishes known ahead of time.

An advance directive is a legal document that lets you share your healthcare preferences and choose someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. Advance directives are an important part of planning for the future and giving peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Under Colorado law, adults have the right to accept or refuse medical treatment, and you may document those decisions in advance. If you don’t create an advance directive and later become unable to make decisions, family members or others may have to go to court to obtain authority to act on your behalf.

What advance directives can do for you

Advance directives allow you to:

Choose a healthcare agent (medical durable power of attorney)
This is the person you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself. They are sometimes called a healthcare proxy or surrogate. You can give your agent broad authority or limit what decisions they can make.

Document your treatment preferences (living will)
Also sometimes called a declaration as to medical or surgical treatment, a living will lets you state your wishes about life-sustaining care, such as whether you would want treatments that only prolong the dying process or not.

Provide other instructions
Colorado recognizes other directives, such as CPR/Do Not Resuscitate orders and Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST), which can guide your care in specific situations.

Advance directives do not affect your right to receive care now. They only guide decisions if you are unable to communicate your wishes.

How to complete your advance directive in Colorado

  • You must be 18 years or older and mentally competent when you sign your documents.
  • Most advance directive forms must be signed and witnessed by two uninterested adults or notarized for added legal clarity.
  • Choose someone you trust as your healthcare agent and discuss your wishes with them.
  • Provide copies to your agent, loved ones, and healthcare providers.
  • You can update or revoke your advance directive at any time as long as you are able.

 

Colorado advance directive forms, including Medical Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will templates, are available from reputable sources online and should be specific to Colorado to ensure they meet state requirements.

 

Why this matters

Having an advance directive:

  • Ensures your wishes are followed even if you can’t speak for yourself.
  • Helps guide your healthcare team and loved ones during difficult times.
  • Reduces stress and uncertainty for your family and caregivers.
  • Even if you’re healthy now, planning ahead gives you control and peace of mind.

 

Need help or have questions?

Your GMA provider can talk with you about advance care planning during a visit and help you understand the forms. It’s a great conversation to have with your provider, your agent, and your family so everyone understands your choices.

CaringInfo offers advance directive templates in both English & Spanish.

Download forms

Primary Practice: Physical Therapy

In practice since 2000

“With more than two and a half decades of experience, I’m passionate about helping you move with confidence and maintain your independence at every stage of life. I have a special focus on caring for older adults, particularly those recovering from joint replacements, fractures, or navigating more complex medical needs. I take a patient, thoughtful approach to care, spending time helping you understand how your body works and what will support your recovery. My goal is to empower you with knowledge, build trust, and create a personalized plan that helps you reach your goals so you can move better and feel supported every step of the way.”

Credentials

Medical Education:
MS: Physical Therapy
University of Colorado
Denver, CO

Specialties:
Post-op joint replacements and fractures
Geriatrics
Osteoporosis
Cancer recovery
Complex medical conditions
Cardiopulmonary conditions

Personal Interests: Outdoor recreation is my passion! I am a professional mountain bike instructor and telemark skier who loves the backcountry. I also enjoy camping, hiking, floating in the river, attending concerts, and disc golf.

Primary Practice: Physical Therapy

In practice since 1990

“My path to physical therapy was inspired early on, and I’ve always been drawn to helping people move and feel better. I believe understanding what’s happening in your body is an important part of healing, so I focus on explaining your condition and the evidence-based options available to you. In many cases, I work with you to build the skills and confidence to manage symptoms through thoughtful movement and lifestyle changes. My goal is to guide and support you, so you can take an active role in improving your health and long-term well-being.”

Credentials

Medical Education:
BS: Physical Therapy
Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Specialties:
Persistent pain management
Functional movement screening
Ergonomic evaluation and injury prevention

Personal Interests: Pursuing outdoor adventures, travel, photography, cooking, reading history and science, and cheering on the Red Sox.

Primary Practice: Physical Therapy

In practice since 1999

“I’m passionate about helping you move better and perform at your best, whether you’re recovering from an injury or working to stay active long term. With decades of experience, I provide hands-on physical therapy and take a whole-body approach to care—looking beyond where you feel pain to understand how your overall biomechanics may be contributing. My goal is to help you overcome physical limitations, restore movement, build strength, and help you return to the activities you care about most.”

Credentials

Medical Education:
MS: Physical Therapy
Regis University
Denver, CO

Specialties:
Dry needling

Post-op knees and shoulders

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) for workers’ compensation impairment ratings

Personal Interests: Pursuing outdoor adventures, travel, reading history and science, hunting, fishing, fitness, and cheering on the Broncos.

Primary Practice: Physical Therapy

In practice since 2023

“Growing up in Glenwood Springs and living an active Colorado lifestyle shaped how I approach physical therapy. As a former Division I ice hockey player and professional athlete, I understand how important movement, performance, and recovery are to everyday life. I work with you to not only recover from injury but also improve how your body moves so you can prevent future setbacks. Whether you’re suffering from dizziness, imbalance, spine-related pain, or working toward peak performance, my focus is on treating the whole body—so you can stay active, confident, and doing what you love.”

Credentials

Medical Education:
DPT: Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Specialties:
Vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance

GOATA biomechanics, performance optimization, and gait training

Certifications & Training:
American Board of Functional Neurology and Vestibular Rehabilitation

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (Colorado & Hawaii)

McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) – Part A

GOATA® Coach – biomechanics, performance optimization, and injury prevention – Level II

Carrick Institute – advanced neurological and vestibular rehabilitation

Personal Interests: Spending time with my family and animals, enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and life on our family ranch.