Advance Care Planning Gives You Peace of Mind

In many cultures, discussions surrounding death and end-of-life care can be considered uncomfortable. However, it is crucial to empower yourself with knowledge and make informed decisions about health care, including creating advance directives. At Hospice of the Western Reserve, we encourage these conversations with loved ones to prevent further discomfort down the road. When it comes to decisions about your health, it is better to be prepared with advanced directives and not need them, rather than needing them and not being prepared.

Advance directives are documents that guide your plan of care at a time when you are unable to speak for yourself. If for any reason you are incapacitated and are unable to make medical decisions for yourself, advance directives let doctors, and your loved ones, know what you would and would not want. It is critical to mention that these documents, which include a durable power of attorney for healthcare, a living will, and organ donor registration, only govern healthcare decisions. They will not affect your material possessions or your finances, and these documents do not take effect until you are unable to speak for yourself. In the meantime, no one else can make healthcare decisions for you.

Hospice of the Western Reserve provides a resource for you to help guide these conversations. “Courage in Conversation” is available to download on our website: https://www.hospicewr.org/Advance-Care-Planning In this document, you will find all the forms and prompts you need to consider how you want your family and your physicians to care for you.

Advance directives can provide a sense of control and peace of mind, both for you and your loved ones. By documenting your preferences in advance, you alleviate the burden of decision-making for your family and allow them to focus on the best possible care according to your wishes.  

Read this article and more in CL Magazine Vol 10 Issue 1