[This story was written by Catherine Adams, MD PhD, medical director of Palliative Care Partners and chief of palliative medicine, St. Peter’s Hospital.]
The COVID-19 crisis underscored just how important it is to discuss with your family and loved ones your wishes for your care, should you become critically ill or incapacitated. While most of us don’t want to think about becoming very sick or find it hard to talk about the end of life, conversations now can avoid confusion in the future.
Advance Care Planning is more than just a document. It starts with thinking about your values and experiences and identifying what is important to you. For example, what does quality of life mean to you? What do you fear most about having a serious illness?
Next, it’s important to talk about these wishes and values with anyone who might be involved in your care. This includes your medical team as well as family or friends that you may want to name as your health care proxy. If you have a medical condition, ask questions about your illness and treatment options so that you can prepare for what might be ahead.
Finally, you can use forms to record your wishes, but remember that these cannot anticipate every possible scenario and are not as useful as the conversation itself. Remember to review your documents often and update them if needed. Ask your family members to do the same.
The best time to talk about your wishes is before a health crisis. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but having a few short talks over time might make it easier and will be the greatest gift you can give to your family and friends in a crisis.
To start this process, complete a form called a Health Care Proxy. This names a health care agent to make decisions for you when you can’t make them yourself. You don’t need a lawyer or notary for witnesses, just two other adults. Forms and instructions are available from the state Department of Health, Attorney General, or many hospitals, including the hospitals that are part of St. Peter’s Health Partners. Visit www.sphp.com/for-patients/advance-care-planning for access to these forms, as well as other resources.
Sunday, April 16, is National Healthcare Decisions Day. To learn more and for tips to get the conversation started with your loved ones, visit theconversationproject.org/ and prepareforyourcare.org/welcome.
