Advance care planning is an essential step in ensuring that seniors' healthcare wishes are understood and respected. This process allows seniors to communicate their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care. It provides peace of mind for both themselves and their caregivers. Addressing these matters ahead of time can prevent unnecessary stress and confusion during medical emergencies. Senior Helpers explores the particulars of advance care planning and the role of healthcare providers in the process.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning involves making decisions about the healthcare seniors would like to receive if they become unable to speak for themselves. It is a thoughtful process that includes discussing values, healthcare wishes, and personal preferences. It helps avoid unnecessary medical treatments and provides a clear guide for family members and healthcare providers. Here are some key components of advance care planning:
- A Living Will specifies what kind of medical treatments seniors do or do not want, especially in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes.
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders instruct healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the senior's heart stops or if they stop breathing.
- A Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare designates a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the senior if they become incapacitated.
How to Start the Conversation
Starting a conversation about advance care planning is important for both seniors and their caregivers. Choose a quiet, comfortable place without distractions and make sure everyone involved has sufficient time to talk. Approach the topic with sensitivity. Acknowledge that it can be difficult but emphasize the wisdom of planning ahead. Reassure them that the goal is to respect their wishes. Some seniors may worry that discussing advance care planning means the end is near. Clarify that this is simply a way to prepare for the future and ensure their wishes are known.
Document Healthcare Wishes
Legally binding documents, like living wills, healthcare proxies, and POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms are the best way to make sure healthcare wishes are respected. Living wills outline specific treatments a senior does or does not want. Healthcare proxies designate someone to make healthcare decisions when the senior cannot. POLST forms are medical orders that specify a patient's preferences for treatments like resuscitation and intubation. Consult with legal professionals to ensure all documents meet state regulations and accurately reflect the senior's wishes. Keep these documents in an easily accessible place and share copies with healthcare providers and family members involved in the senior's care.
Involve Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers play a significant role in advance care planning and can offer valuable guidance. Doctors can help explain medical options and the implications of various choices so that seniors make informed decisions. Arrange a meeting with the senior's healthcare team and family members to ensure everyone understands the senior's wishes and the medical realities. It is important to regularly review and update advance care planning documents as health conditions and preferences change.
Senior Helpers is Happy to Assist With Advance Care Planning
Senior Helpers offers compassionate, in-home senior care services personalized to meet the specific needs of our community's seniors and their families. If you live in the Urbandale, Ankeny, Ames, or Des Moines areas, contact us anytime at Senior Helpers Central Iowa. We are here to provide the support you need and ensure seniors' healthcare wishes are known and respected.