What would happen if you experienced a sudden illness or were in a major accident that prevented you from making your own medical decisions? How would you ensure you received the kind of care you wanted? Would your family or loved ones know enough about your wishes to comfortably and confidently make decisions on your behalf?
Advance care planning is all about planning for the “what ifs” that may occur across a person’s entire lifespan. ACP is about planning ahead to ensure the healthcare treatment you receive is consistent with your wishes, especially if you become unable to make decisions or speak for yourself.
Whether someone is healthy today, facing an acute illness or a long-term chronic illness, advance care planning can help alleviate unnecessary suffering, improve quality of life and provide better understanding of the decision-making challenges individuals and their caregivers face. ACP also helps to reduce the stress and burdens families may face with forced to make healthcare and end-of-life decisions for a loved one.
All adults from the age of 18 and older should begin to think about making an advance care plan. Research your options. Share your wishes. Write it down.
You can find more information on advance care planning below. Contact Hospice for more information or to obtain a free copy of an The Five Wishes advanced directive.
Understanding Advance Directives
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE VARY BY STATE. Download your state’s Advance Directive here.
Advance Care Planning Checklist
National Healthcare Decisions Day – April 16
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. A key goal of NHDD is to demystify healthcare decision-making and make the topic of advance care planning inescapable.
Have you made your decisions yet? Click here for a wealth of free resources to help start conversations and make your wishes known.
Do You Know How You Want to Die?
Ashley Evdokimo discusses the importance of Advance Directives and stresses the point of having the conversation earlier rather than later. We have been conditioned to see the end of life as something that isn’t a part of life – and that needs to change. An Advance Directive is a great way to START the conversation about end of life care, and Ashley encourages each and every one of you to STOP waiting to have these conversations.
I have filled out my Advance Directive – NOW WHAT?
The Conversation Project
Talking about dying isn’t easy, but it’s vitally important. Explore The Conversation Starter Kit and learn how to think about and talk about your wishes for end of life care.
Have you had the conversation yet?
More Resources:
5 Wishes for End-Of-Life Care
Communicating End-of-Life Wishes with Clinicians and Family
End Of Life Planning Resources