By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-696330.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Univera Healthcare is releasing a survey of upstate residents Wednesday about their level of advance health care planning.
The survey found that the vast majority of upstaters are aware of the need for making one's end-of-life decisions known in advance. But only 42 percent have actually signed a health care proxy. The figure is slightly higher in Western New York at 44 percent.
Univera Vice President Dr. Patricia Bomba says the proxy allows an individual to have someone act on their behalf should the need arise.
Bomba says their survey found that age was the most important factor for people completing a health care proxy. She says as people grow older, they're more likely to engage in advance planning.
More information is available at the website, compassionandsupport.org.