Modern medicine can do amazing things, but that can also require some difficult decision-making. Making healthcare decisions is often difficult under the best of circumstances but making decisions for others is even more complicated. What would happen if you were suddenly diagnosed with a serious illness or were in a major accident? Would your loved ones know enough about your wishes to ensure you received the medical care you wanted?
While we cannot predict the future, each of us can guide our healthcare providers and our loved ones about the care we want. Advance directives give you the ability to document the types of healthcare treatments and interventions you do and do not want, and to name an agent to speak for you if you become unable to speak for yourself.
Join Americans across the country in making your healthcare wishes known to family, friends and your medical providers.
Why do I need an Advance Healthcare Plan?
Things can happen at any time, to any of us, and it’s important to be prepared. Without these conversations and documents, there can be confusion, conflict, and guilt in an already stressful situation. With a plan in place, you can focus on the things that matter.
Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley is your resource guide to creating your advance healthcare plan. Check out our resources, or give us a call to learn more!
View or Download our NHDD 2020 Virtual Presentation:
Advance Care Planning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Download your state-specific Advance Directive here.
Understanding Advance Directives
Dr. Z walks us through what it really looks like to be on the receiving end of a common Life-Saving intervention.
View more at Consider the Conversation
I have filled out my Advance Directive – NOW WHAT?
Click here to find Fun Ways to Start the Conversation!
Additional Resources:
Thanks to The Conversation Project and Ariadne Labs, this new tool can help people take action and be prepared during these uncertain times. “We can’t control how this pandemic plays out. But we can control who speaks for us if we’re unable to speak for ourselves, and we can take the time to make sure they know what matters most to us. Have this conversation today.” Check out the COVID-19 Specific Conversation Guide.
NHPCO’s COVID-19 Shared Decision-Making Tool can help people at a high risk of contracting the virus discuss how they would like to be treated, and connects them with their free state-specific advance directive. View the COVID-19 Shared Decision-Making Tool.
Documents to assist you when making your End of Life plans:
- DNR Form (NY)
- Hospital Readiness Packet
- Choosing Long Term Care
- Valuable Records Checklist
- Agent to Control Disposition of Remains form
- Funeral Planning Checklist