Do You Have A Plan for Your Care? Today is the perfect day to get started!
By Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), April 16 each year, educates and empowers the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.
It is critical that adults 18 years of age and older (married/partnered, single, someone who has adult children or adult relatives to rely on and those who do not) have these documents in place! People often think of these documents as needing to be in place as part of one’s estate plan, but the reality is, they are critical to have in place TODAY and every day going forward.
One never knows when a medical event/crisis might occur (short term or longer) and it is critical to have knowledgeable people in place to advocate for you in the event you are unable to share what types of care you want and do not want.
Not only must you choose a healthcare agent/proxy/medical power of attorney, but you must also make sure you complete a personal directive/living will. This document gives you the opportunity to indicate what life saving measures and treatment you want and don’t want.
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A note: If you are having a hard time finding someone to assign as your healthcare proxy, do not let that stop you from planning. Work on thinking about and filling out the components of a personal directive/living will, and other planning documents. Then come back to exploring who you can assign as a proxy.
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While you may have filled out legal documents regarding your estate plans, it is likely you haven't written out and reviewed with others the specifics of what you want and don't want regarding medical care. PLEASE do not skip this step.
Once everything is written down (and remember, this is a “dynamic” process, you need to review and make changes as needed) you MUST have thorough conversations with your healthcare proxy(s) to confirm they are comfortable carrying out your decisions and not imposing their own feelings or beliefs.
These articles about choosing your proxy point out useful things to consider: Everplans, The Conversation Project, Honoring Choices Massachusetts (pdf).
When asked for useful and comprehensive advance care planning resources (health agent/proxy, living will, detailed wishes) by clients and during community education talks, I often suggest Honoring Choices Massachusetts (docs are for everyone not just Massachusetts), The Conversation Project, and Five Wishes ($5).
Have you been chosen as someone’s proxy? Here are useful resources for being an effective proxy: The Conversation Project, Everplans.
I know this topic can be anxiety inducing, stressful, and difficult to think and talk about. Fortunately there are wonderful resources to help start the conversation. When you’re ready to complete your Healthcare Advocacy PLAN, I’m available to help! Do you need someone to talk to about these documents? I can help that way too!
In my work, I always remind people that having these documents in place and discussed with those you care about and care about you, is actually a gift. It is a gift because it means your intentions are spelled out. Once reviewed with those you care about and care about you, no one has to wonder if, at a time of emotional stress, they are making a decision that aligns with your values and wishes.
Links:
Conversation Project’s List of Advance Care Planning Resources
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on Twitter and Facebook
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Connect With Us: When the complexity of your healthcare situation is too challenging to navigate on your own, working with an independent board certified patient advocate can help cut through the “red tape,” reduce complications, and offer peace of mind at an emotional time. Contact Ailene to learn more about the value of working with a private patient advocate.