In life we prepare for everything...
College, Marriage, Children, Retirement
But we seldom start the conversation about the end.
Take the first step. Start the Conversation.
Planning for end-of-life care is as important as all the other life plans you’ve made. Having a plan makes it easier for you, your doctor and your loved ones if, in the future, decisions about treatment need to be made at a time when you are unable to.
Talking about your wishes while you’re in good health allows you and your loved ones to be prepared in a health crisis that can happen to anyone at any time, and gives you peace of mind, knowing that your wishes can be honored.
“Start the Conversation” is a public education initiative intended to motivate people to start the thinking and discussing health care choices and to complete documentation to support their choices. Planning ahead for these choices now, while you are able to, is a gift you can give to yourself and those you love.
Why should you consider planning?
At any time, you may be unable to communicate your health care choices as a result of an injury or serious illness. You should not wait until you are elderly or facing serious illness to deal with these issues. Having the talk early is vital and is the first step to ensure that your choices and wishes are heard before time slips away and it becomes too late to express your wishes.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a legal document that protects your right to request or refuse medical treatment in the event that you lose your ability to make decisions yourself. It’s different from a Living Will which only addresses the care and treatment an individual wants if the individual has a terminal illness.
Who Benefits from Advance Care Planning?
- Anyone who wants to give their family the gift of having the decisions made
- Someone with a terminal or life-limiting illness – and their caregiver
- Someone starting a new family who needs to make decisions in case an injury or illness happens unexpectedly
Take the Next Step. It’s Time
Click on “Start the Conversation” to learn more. You’ll find a Personal Guide to Advanced Care Planning filled with helpful information, worksheets, discussion starters, a questionnaire and resources that can assist you as you start thinking and talking about your wishes.
- Communicate your health care choices.
- Understand your options by talking with your physician.
- Discuss your decisions with loved ones.
- Put your plans in writing.
Call RAVNAH to help you with your advance care planning today at 802.775.0568.
Some Facts You Should Know
- Studies have shown that approximately 8 out of 10 Americans would prefer to die at home, if possible. Despite this fact, 60% of Americans die in acute care hospitals, 20% in nursing homes and only 20% at home.
- Only 3 out of 10 Americans have a living will, a map detailing where they want their health care to “go” in the future should they become unable to voice their wishes.
- Advance Care Planning builds trust and teamwork between patient, physicians, and health care agent, respects the patient’s choice, reduces uncertainty and anxiety, avoids future confusion and conflict, and offers peace of mind.
- Few Americans know their end-of-life care options or how they’re funded, and fewer still have discussed their desires with their physicians and family.
