Advance care planning is not just about
old age. At any age, a medical crisis could leave someone too ill to make his
or her own healthcare decisions. Even if you are not sick now, making
healthcare plans for the future is an important step toward making sure you get
the medical care you would want, even when doctors and family members are
making the decisions for you.
More than one out of four older Americans face
questions about medical treatment near the end of life but are not capable of
making those decisions. The following are some tips that will discuss some
questions you can think about now and describe ways to share your wishes with
others. Write them down or at least talk about them with someone who would make
the decisions for you. Knowing how you would decide might take some of the
burden off family and friends.
What is
Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning involves learning about the
types of decisions that might need to be made, considering those decisions
ahead of time, and then letting others know about your preferences, often by
putting them into an advance directive. An advance directive is a legal
document that goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to
speak for yourself. This could be the result of disease or severe injury – no matter
how old you are. It helps others know what type of medical care you want. It also
allows you to express your values and desires related to end-of-life care. You might
think of an advance directive as a living document – one that you can adjust as
your situation changes because of new information or a change in your health.
Decisions That Could Come Up Near
Death
- CPR
- Ventilator Use
- Artificial nutrition or artificial hydration
- Comfort Care
Making Your Wishes Known
There are
two elements in an advance directive – a living will and a durable power of
attorney for health care. There are also other documents that can supplement
your advance directive or stand alone. You can choose which documents to
create, depending on how you want decisions to be made.
Making It Official
Once you
have talked with your doctor and have an idea of the types of decisions that
could come up in the future and whom you would like as a proxy, if you want one
at all, the next step is to fill out the legal forms detailing your wishes. A
lawyer can help but is not required. If you decide to use a lawyer, don’t
depend on him or her to help you understand different medical treatments. That’s
why you should
start the planning process by talking with your doctor.
Many states
have their own advance directive forms. Absolute Care Management can assist you
in locating the correct forms. You can call us toll free at 866.935.3730 or go
online to www.absolutecaremanagement.com
and leave us a comment in the “Contact Us” section.
After You Set Up Your Advance
Directive
There are
key people who should be told that you have an advance directive. Give copies
to your healthcare proxy and alternate proxy. Give your doctor a copy for your
medical records. Tell key family members and friends where you keep a copy. If
you have to go to the hospital, give staff there a copy to include in your
records. Because you might change your advance directive in the future, it’s a
good idea to keep track of who receives a copy.
Review your
advance care planning decisions from time to time – for example, every 10
years, if not more often. You might want to revise your preferences for care if
your situation or your health changes. Or, you might want to make adjustments
if you receive a serious diagnosis; if you get married, separated, or divorced;
if your spouse dies; or if something happens to your proxy or alternate. If your
preferences change, you will want to make sure your doctor, proxy, and family
know about them.
Looking To the Future
Nobody can
predict the future. You may never face a medical situation where you are unable
to speak for yourself and make your wishes known. But having an advance
directive may give you and those close to you some peace of mind.
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