It’s not something that’s pleasant to consider, but sometimes life deals a bad hand. Sudden illness or injury may prevent us from communicating our desired care instructions, leaving those nearest to us burdened with trying to sort out what they perceive we would want.
What Is Advanced Care Planning?
“Advanced care planning is a process people can go through where they have a chance to discuss and write down their preferences for future healthcare treatments should they have an accident or sudden illness that leaves them unable to communicate in a dire medical situation,” explains Jessica Rivers, Care Coordinator for Pullman Regional's palliative care team.
It is appropriate for anyone over age 18 to take care of Advance Care Planning. Life is uncertain, and anyone could be involved in a car accident or face a sudden stroke. Having your wishes spelled out makes it easier on everyone.
Completing Your Advance Directives
Completing your advance directives may feel overwhelming at first, but it really comes down to having thoughtful conversations and making sure the people closest to you understand what matters most to you. Here are a few simple steps to help guide the process:
Start with a conversation
Talk with your family members and the people you trust most. Share what matters most to you and what quality of life means in your eyes. Using a Quality of Life Considerations worksheet can help guide those conversations and make them a little easier.
These conversations are incredibly important because the person you choose as your healthcare agent may need to make decisions on your behalf in real time. Documents matter, but the people speaking for you matter even more. For example, someone may say, “I know my mom completed these forms years ago, but recently she shared something different with me.” Having open conversations helps ensure your wishes are clearly understood.
Learn more about CPR
Take time to educate yourself and your loved ones about CPR and life-saving measures. Understanding what CPR involves can help you make informed decisions about the type of care you would or would not want in an emergency situation.
Know the difference between a POLST and Advance Directive documents
These documents serve different purposes, and it’s helpful to understand how they work together.
A POLST form provides medical orders for first responders and emergency medical personnel. It tells them whether you would want CPR if your heart or breathing stops and outlines the level of medical treatment you would want in a medical emergency. If there is no POLST form available, first responders will generally begin CPR and emergency treatment. A POLST form must be completed with a physician so it can be signed.
Advance Directive documents are different. These documents guide your family members and healthcare providers by identifying who should speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself and what decisions they should make on your behalf.
Complete both Advance Directive documents
There are two important forms to complete:
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Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare — identifies who you want to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
- Health Care Directive — outlines your wishes regarding life support and medical treatment.
Have your documents notarized or witnessed
Once completed, your documents should be notarized or properly witnessed to make them official.
Neill Public Library offers free notary services on Tuesdays, and many banks and credit unions also provide notary services.
Share copies with the right people
After your documents are complete, make copies and share them with key family members — especially the person you selected as your healthcare agent.
It’s also important to provide a copy to your hospital’s Health Information Department so the documents can be scanned into your electronic medical record and available if they are ever needed.
“The goal is for your family members to fully understand and respect your wishes. It’s your chance to have your voice heard and have your family informed,” concludes Rivers.
