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Advance Directives and end-of-life planning are important for everyone - regardless of age or health status. We all should think about and communicate our wishes regarding the kind of care we'd want to receive and who we'd want to make our healthcare decisions in the event that we're not able to speak for ourselves. Read on for more information about advance directives. If you have questions about end-of-life care planning, please consult with your physician, attorney, or other healthcare professional. You can also contact VistaCare at 1-866-VISTACARE (847-8222). We're here to help.
Why is this end-of-life planning important? Q: Why is this end-of-life planning importantA: A recent study by Dr. Ira Byock revealed some interesting facts about how the American culture approaches death and dying:
And yet …
This translates into …
So why don't we get what we want? In large part, it's because we don't discuss death and dying, and we don't prepare for it. One significant - and relatively easy - way to prepare is by writing down our wishes for the kind of care we want to receive in an Advance Directive. Download your state's Advance Directive documents here. Q: What is an advance directive?A: An advance directive tells your doctor what kind of care you would like to have if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. A good advance directive describes the kind of treatment you would want, depending on how sick you are. For example, the directives would describe what kind of care you want if you have an illness that you are unlikely to recover from, or if you are permanently unconscious. Advance directives usually tell your doctor that you don't want certain kinds of treatment. However, they can also say that you want a certain treatment, no matter how ill you are. Laws about advance directives are different in each state. You should be aware of the laws in your state. Download your state's Advance Directive documents here. Q: What is a living will?A: A living will is one type of advance directive. It only comes into effect when you are terminally ill. Being terminally ill generally means that you have less than six months to live. In a living will, you can describe the kind of treatment you want in certain situations. A living will does not let you select someone to make decisions for you. If you or a loved one is facing a terminal illness, you should explore the option of receiving hospice care, which is 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurances. Take this short quiz to learn … "Is Hospice the Answer?" Q: What is a durable power of attorney for health care?A: A durable power of attorney for health care is another kind of advance directive. It states whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you. It becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. A durable power of attorney is generally more useful than a living will but may not be a good choice if you don't have another person you trust to make these decisions for you. Living wills and durable powers of attorney are legal in most states. Even if they aren't officially recognized by the law in your state, they can still guide your loved ones and doctor if you are unable to make decisions about your medical care. Ask your doctor, lawyer or other healthcare provider about the law in your state. Q: What is a do not resuscitate order?A: A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is another kind of advance directive. A DNR is a request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. (Unless given other instructions, hospital staff will try to help all patients whose heart has stopped or who have stopped breathing.) You can use an advance directive form or tell your doctor that you don't want to be resuscitated. In this case, a DNR order is put in your medical chart by your doctor. It's best to do this early, before you are very sick and are considered unable to make your own decisions. DNR orders are accepted by doctors and hospitals in all states. It's important to note that some hospices require their patients to sign a DNR before allowing them to receive the hospice benefit. Not VistaCare. We believe in meeting our patients where they are - and in respecting their values, beliefs, and preferences for the kind of care they receive. Learn more about the VistaCare difference. Q: Should I have an advance directive?A: VMost advance directives are written by older or seriously ill people. For example, someone with terminal cancer might write that she does not want to be put on a respirator if she stops breathing. This action can reduce her suffering, increase her peace of mind and increase her control over her death. However, even if you are in good health, you might want to consider writing an advance directive. An accident or serious illness can happen suddenly, and if you already have a signed advance directive, your wishes are more likely to be followed. Download your state's Advance Directive documents here. Q: How can I write an advance directive?A: You can write an advance directive in several ways:
Advance directives and living wills do not have to be complicated legal documents. They can be short, simple statements about what you want done or not done if you can't speak for yourself. Remember, anything you write by yourself or with a computer software package should follow your state laws. You may also want to have what you have written reviewed by your doctor and family members (or other care providers) to make sure your directives are understood exactly as you intended. When you are satisfied with your directives, the orders should be notarized if possible, and copies should be given to your family and your doctor. Q: Can I change my advance directive?A:You may change or cancel your advance directive at any time, as long as you are considered of sound mind to do so. Being of sound mind means that you are still able to think rationally and communicate your wishes in a clear manner. Again, your changes must be made, signed and notarized according to the laws in your state. Make sure that your doctor and any family members who knew about your directives are also aware that you have changed them. If you do not have time to put your changes in writing, you can make them known while you are in the hospital. Tell your doctor and any family or friends present exactly what you want to happen. Usually, wishes that are made in person will be followed in place of the ones made earlier in writing. Be sure your instructions are clearly understood by everyone you have told. Download your state's Advance Directive documents here. Portions of this educational information courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians |
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