Your Resolution for Advance Directives

Posted in advance directives

The beginning of each year brings promises of better habits, healthier eating, and more exercise, however temporary.  With added attention on personal well-being, advance directives and discussions about end of life plans rarely make the list of resolutions. Unlike sticking to that low carb diet, or hitting the gym every day, advance care planning is an easily attainable New Year’s resolution.

We often take our health for granted until it declines, or until something happens to a family member or friend that forces us to consider our own situation. This is why a new year is the perfect time to get a plan in place. Let’s face it, if there’s an emergency, you likely won’t know the doctors (or nurses) treating you and you could easily be disoriented, in a state of shock, or not conscious to make decisions. The easiest way to start is to name some people (called “Healthcare Agents” or “Medical Proxies”) who are close to you, know you well, and are willing to help make decisions if you can’t. You can also give them, and future healthcare providers, some insight into your wishes, your values and goals, and the decisions you would make if you were coherent and able to communicate (called  “advance care planning” or “advance directives”).

We invite you to start the New Year by declaring your advance directives. The National Institute on Aging has a great informational sheet on Advance Care Planning.  Click the link to learn more about steps to take and encourage your loved ones to do the same – you’re giving them a gift they’ll appreciate for a lifetime.