Posted April 16th, 2015
By Anonymous (not verified)
We live in a world that is constantly developing and growing with new technologies, discoveries, and places to see. Because of this, it has become our human nature to want to experience everything and see for ourselves what the future has to bring. Realistically, many of us won’t. Many of us are afraid to leave this world one day and lose everything we have earned especially family and friends.
But, we must come to the realization that life can bring unexpected situations that we may not be prepared for. However, what if we can be prepared? April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day that exist to inspire, educate, and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.
If we are unable to speak for ourselves, then who speaks for us? Do our family members or healthcare providers know our wants and wishes? Advance care planning is the process of preparing and making decisions for any future health-related implications where we are unable to speak for ourselves.
There are two main types of advanced directives, a healthcare power of attorney and living will. The healthcare power of attorney is the person delegated to speak on our behalf while the living will is the written document that states our wants and wishes. With these two directives, we can be prepared for the end of life situations.
“There may never be a good time, and certainly when you are being admitted to a facility, that’s the worst time to be thinking about these choices so just pick a day,” said Chair, Nathan Kottkamp, of the National Healthcare Decisions Day.
Advance care planning gives us control, relieves family members from guessing and making irrational decisions, and most importantly, we can acquire a piece of mind. Don’t let an unforeseen situation affect you negatively because you weren’t prepared. Open the conversation to family and friends, and start your advance care planning.
Sources:
http://www.nhdd.org/#welcome
http://www.nhdd.org/public-resources#where-can-i-get-an-advance-directive
http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3278
http://endlink.lurie.northwestern.edu/advance_care_planning/why.cfm
