Advance Care Planning

The prevalence of completing advance directives in the general population remains at 25% to 30%, but adults continue to be concerned about future healthcare decisions for a variety of reasons. Many fear that technology will keep them alive in a state they would not find acceptable, or that their families might get embroiled in a difficult prolonged battle with each other or with health professionals over medical decisions. Adults fear that their written plans will not be honored or are unsure whom to contact for assistance. Despite these fears and the low incidence of completion of documents, there is a growing interest for individuals to participate in advance care planning and protect their loved ones from the burden of decision making.

Evidence suggests that many adults have not taken the time to complete a written advance directive although a majority of adults have had some discussions with persons close to them about situations in which they would or would not want medical treatment. They may discuss their fears regarding end-of-life issues with a simple comment like “Don’t keep me alive like that young woman” allowing a lot of room for misinterpretation. Senior Independence would like to assist older adults and their families in developing a more complete and helpful planning process.

The focus of Senior Independence’s Advance Planning Sessions is on how to have discussions with those close to you. How do you start the conversation? What do you talk about? When have you completed the conversation?

Here are some suggestions for family members to begin a dialogue with their loved ones regarding future health wishes: Do you have any fears about what the doctors have told you?

What is most frustrating about your current medical situation?

The doctor has suggested comfort care only, what does that mean to you?

If you are suddenly unable to speak for yourself, whom do you want to speak on your behalf?

What would make life better/easier for you at this time?

Why are these conversations and advance planning important?

  1. Loved ones won’t know a person’s preference unless there has been a conversation about choices at the end of life.
  2. Health professionals typically treat to cure when they are uncertain of an individuals’ choice.
  3. Up to 50% of persons, cannot make their own healthcare decisions when they are near death.

Advance care planning before a crisis occurs allows you to think about what life sustaining measures you want if you are faced with a serious medical situation. You can also identify people to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make your wishes known.

Learning More About Advance Care Planning

Senior Independence provides education sessions and booklets to help you navigate through the maze of health care decision planning and how to begin conversations with loved ones. For more information on Advance Care Planning contact us at 800-686-7800

www.seniorindependence.org www.icaregiver.org

Senior Independence session leaders are trained in the nationally recognized program called Respecting Choices™. Parts of this article were printed with permission from Gundersen Lutheran Advance Care Planning Services. www.respectingchoices.org