Advance Directives: Ensuring Your Future Healthcare Wishes
When was the last time you considered your future healthcare plans? The average person probably isn’t thinking about them too often. But it’s an important topic, in fact, that there is a whole day dedicated to it: National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16. Each year, this serves as a reminder to take a proactive approach to healthcare decision-making. We challenge you this year to consider completing your Advance Directives. You can learn more about what this means and how Atrio is here to help you on your healthcare journey below.
Why does an advance care directive matter?
Advance directives empower individuals to express their healthcare preferences and avoid unwanted medical interventions should they be unable to communicate their wants and wishes themselves. Consult your doctor and healthcare team for guidance in completing the form. Your advance directives outline certain treatments you do/don’t want should the time come that you would need them. Having this in place greatly reduces the stress for your loved ones or chosen patient advocate during critical moments.
Communication in Advance Care Planning
It’s important to have an open dialogue with family and healthcare providers. Sorting out your advance directive can help to build understanding with your DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney) and medical team. It’s important to be honest and open during these discussions as your future health care and services will be based on what you communicate and document during these times.
When should you start planning?
It is never too early to express your healthcare wants and wishes. We can never predict when an injury or illness might come our way, and the earlier we start having these conversations, the better. Remember, your advance directive can always change. As you age, experience health issues, or shift your perspectives, you can make changes to your plan to reflect your new wants and wishes.
How Can Atrio Help?
Our team has expertise in navigating the complexities of our healthcare system. Atrio Home Care social workers can help connect you to resources and empower you to make informed decisions, offering ongoing support as your care plans change to reflect evolving needs and wishes. Contact Atrio Home Care for assistance with advance care planning and to learn more about our comprehensive support services.
For even more information…
The Making Choices Michigan offers a number of valuable resources in helping you through your advance care planning. Click the links below for downloadable forms for Advance Directives and Power of Attorney to get started. covers the topic of advance care planning in great detail. Learn more about finding advance directive forms and getting started here.
