Today, a question for all my readers: if you were critically injured this afternoon and lapsed into a coma, would your loved ones know how you would want to be treated?
Wednesday, April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. The goal of the day is to help all adults understand the benefit of discussing their health care choices with their loved ones. Unfortunately, when the worst occurs, not everyone is able to speak for themselves. By committing your wishes to paper, you spare your loved ones the heartache of trying to make guesses about what you would have wanted.
Your decisions can be written down in a set of documents called Advance Directives. They come in two forms. A Healthcare Power of Attorney formally recognizes the person that you select to be the voice for your healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. A Living Will documents what kinds of medical treatments (including artificial nutrition or hydration) you would or would not want at the end of your life.
It's difficult to begin these discussions, and you might feel uncomfortable as you begin the process. But committing your wishes to paper is a gift you give your whole family—a few moments going through your Directives now could prevent months or years of heartbreak for all your loved ones. Clear, recorded instructions can stop arguments before they start, sparing your spouse, parents or children from needless conflict.
I would like to encourage everyone to discuss your health care options and wishes with your loved ones, and then document your decisions in an Advance Directive. You can download all the forms for free at www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org. Often, hospice social workers can answer questions and help you complete your Directives; call your hospice today to find what help is available.
I look forward to answering your questions in future columns. Email me at asklinda@pchcv.org!
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