27 Jan Advance Care Planning: A Guide to Preparing for Your Future Care
Planning for your future care may not be an easy task, but it’s one of the most empowering decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. Advance care planning allows you to outline the care you want to receive based on your personal values, beliefs, and medical needs. By documenting your wishes through an advance directive, you ensure that your voice is heard, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Unfortunately, many people delay or avoid advance care planning altogether. It can be challenging to think about end-of-life scenarios. However, when these plans aren’t in place, individuals often receive medical treatments they may not want or that may not be beneficial. Taking the time to map out your preferences can help ensure you are cared for in a way that aligns with your wishes, while also easing the emotional burden on your family.
What is an Advance Care Plan?
An advance care plan is more than just a document, it’s a thoughtful process that ensures your healthcare choices reflect your values. While some people request a Living Will, it’s often not detailed enough for medical professionals to act on effectively.
A strong plan provides specific guidelines about what makes life meaningful to you and what trade-offs, if any, you’re willing to accept. For instance, you might consider scenarios like:
- Would requiring full-time assistance for basic activities of living be acceptable to you?
- Would losing your ability to recognize loved ones make aggressive interventions undesirable?
These types of specifics allow healthcare providers to align care with your values and help ensure you’re treated according to your priorities.
Why Should You Start Advance Care Planning Early?
Many people want to have conversations about their future care but wait for their physicians to initiate the dialogue. Here’s why starting early is so important:
- Time for Reflection: Beginning the advance care planning when you're in good health allows you to think carefully about what matters most to you without pressure.
- Flexibility to Revisit: Health and personal preferences may evolve over time. Returning to your plan periodically lets you adjust as your circumstances change.
- Peace of Mind for Loved Ones: Having detailed instructions lifts the emotional weight off family members and caregivers. They won't need to guess what you would have wanted or carry concerns about making the "wrong" decision.
By starting today, you can take control of your future and create clarity for those who will support you.
Steps to Creating Your Advance Care Plan
1.
Discuss with Your Physician
Talk with your doctor about any existing health conditions and potential challenges that may arise. Their guidance can help you weigh risks and outcomes.
2.
Define Your Preferences
Think about what physical and mental compromises are acceptable to you. Decide what circumstances, if any, would make life no longer meaningful to you and what interventions you would or wouldn’t want in those cases.
3.
Put It in Writing
Record your preferences in a formal document, such as an advance directive. Be sure to appoint a trusted person (healthcare proxy) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
4.
Have Open Conversations
Share your wishes with your healthcare proxy, loved ones, and any key stakeholders. Honest discussions ensure that everyone is informed and prepared to honor your goals.
5.
Review Regularly
Revisit your advance care plan as your health or personal circumstances change, so that it always reflects your current preferences.
6.
Leverage Available Resources
Access tools and materials to guide you through the advance care planning process. Sites like CaringInfo offer state-specific advance directive forms for free.
Advance care planning is about empowering you to receive the medical care you would want, while also providing comfort and clarity to your loved ones. Take the time to reflect, plan, and document your wishes because your values matter, and they deserve to be honored. If you have any questions or need more support in starting your advance care planning, we’re here to help.