Updated: 10 things everyone should know about advance care planning
In the days leading up to the third annual National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) Alive Hospice will provide helpful information about advance care planning to help Alive Hospice Blog readers get started. If you’ve already completed your advance directives, we hope you’ll encourage others to do so and forward this information to friends and family!
1. Advance directives ensure that you’ll have a voice regarding your health care, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself due to a medical crisis. Most American adults haven’t completed advance directives, but it’s to their benefit to do so!
2. One kind of advance directive is a Living Will (or Advance Care Plan), which allows you to document what treatment options you would and wouldn’t want and other important considerations you want to express. (Updated April 8 )
3. Another kind of advance directive is the Appointment of Health Care Agent (or Medical Power of Attorney) form. This document allows you to name an agent and an alternate who would be authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf, if you were unable to do so. (Updated April 9)
4. Advance directives are available from a variety of sources, such as health-care providers (including Alive Hospice) and Web sites including http://www.caringinfo.org. Tennesseans can click on the “Advance Directives” link at the top of this page to access advance care planning tools. (Updated April 10)
5. Your doctor can provide more information that may be helpful as you consider what treatment options you would and wouldn’t want for yourself. (Updated April 12)
6. Completing advance directives is free! You can’t put a price on peace of mind. (Updated April 12)
7. After you complete your advance directives, be sure to provide copies for family, your doctors and anyone else who may be involved in your health care (clergy, the persons you’ve appointed as your health-care agents, etc.). Keep a personal copy in a safe and easily accessible place in case they’re needed. (Updated April 13)
8. Be sure to discuss your wishes with loved ones so they’ll know what you’d want in a medical crisis! (Updated April 14)
9. Advance directives can be amended if you change your mind about something. All you have to do is complete new forms and replace old copies. (Updated April 15)
10. Advance care planning involves thoughtful consideration about what you would and wouldn’t want. Some may be ready to complete their advance directives today. Others may not, but the important thing is getting the process started! We encourage you to complete your advance directives when you’re ready. (Updated April 16)
Click here to forward this information to a friend!
