Life is unpredictable, and being prepared is essential for your well-being and that of your loved ones. According to WebMD, advance care planning allows you to convey your values, care preferences, and what truly matters in your life, providing peace of mind during critical moments.
Learning from COVID-19
The pandemic emphasized the significance of advance care planning, especially when facing sudden and severe illnesses. We may have witnessed healthy individuals falling seriously ill or passing away due to COVID-19, reminding us of the need to be prepared.
Empower Your Care Decisions
Shockingly, over 60 percent of adults have not documented their end-of-life care wishes, leaving crucial decisions to family and medical professionals. Advance care planning empowers you to shape your care, ensuring your values are respected.
Addressing Concerns
Many older adults worry about leaving important medical decisions to their children. Advance care planning alleviates these concerns, giving you authority over your health choices.
The Power of Your Preferences
Documenting your wishes ensures decisions align with your values. You have the power to define the care you desire.
Getting Started
Initiating conversations about end-of-life care with family is essential. The Conversation Project offers a helpful guide to start this process.
Documenting Your Wishes
Various forms of advance care planning documents exist. Prepare for Your Care and Five Wishes are valuable resources. POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is available for those with serious illnesses.
Revisit and Revise
Regularly revisiting your advance care planning ensures your preferences align with changes in your health. You can modify your wishes at any time.
Embrace Peace of Mind
Though challenging, contemplating advance care planning brings reassurance compared to unexpressed wishes. Planning offers you and your family peace of mind, promoting age-friendly care.
For more information visit:
“Planning for Peace of Mind” WebMD, . https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/seniors-plan-ahead?ecd=wnl_day_080323&ctr=wnl-day-080323_lead_cta&mb=JEXr%2FKBdlSDP1NkAm12%2FwoPvXzuwyR0BVklw6xV98uA%3D
To learn about Medicare: