Planning for the future is vital, especially when it comes to healthcare decisions. Advance care planning helps seniors voice their wishes about medical care ahead of time. This planning ensures that their preferences are respected and followed, even if they're not able to communicate their wishes themselves. Senior Helpers Asheville will guide caregivers in discussing and documenting healthcare wishes with seniors. You'll learn about the importance of advance care planning, key legal documents, how to start the conversation and the role of healthcare providers.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning involves making decisions about the healthcare you'd want to receive if you're facing a medical crisis and cannot communicate. This process includes preparing legal documents and discussing wishes with loved ones.
Advance care planning benefits everyone involved. It relieves family members of the stress of guessing what their loved one would want. It also ensures that seniors receive the kind of care they prefer, aligned with their values and beliefs.
Key Components of Advance Care Planning
Several legal documents can assist with advance care planning. Here are the most important ones you should know about:
- Living Wills: Outlines what medical treatments a person wants or does not want if they become unable to communicate.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: Names someone who makes medical decisions on behalf of a person if they can't do it themselves.
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders: Instruct healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a person's heart stops or if they stop breathing.
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): Medical orders that indicate a person's preferences for life-sustaining treatments, often used for those with serious illnesses.
Timing and setting are vital when initiating these discussions. Choose a quiet, comfortable place without distractions, and make sure you won't be interrupted. Aim to have the conversation during a time when the senior is most alert and can focus.
Begin with expressing your love and concern. You might say, "I care deeply about you and want to make sure your wishes are respected." Be patient and give them time to share their thoughts and feelings.
If possible, include other family members in these conversations. It can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and prepared to support the senior's wishes.
Documenting Healthcare Wishes
Ensure that all advance care planning documents meet legal requirements in North Carolina. If necessary, consult a lawyer to ensure that everything is correctly prepared and filed.
Keep copies of all important documents in a safe but easily accessible place. Share copies with healthcare proxies, family members, and doctors. Consider using a secure digital service for easy access in emergencies.
Review these plans regularly, especially after major life events like a significant health change, move, or loss of a loved one. Ensure the documents still reflect the senior's wishes and make updates as needed.
Involving Healthcare Providers
Doctors and healthcare providers can offer medical advice to help make informed decisions. Make sure that all healthcare providers involved in the senior's care have copies of the advance care planning documents. Discuss the plans during medical appointments to ensure everyone understands and respects the senior's wishes.
Double-check that the healthcare wishes outlined in the documents align with ongoing medical care plans. Consistent communication with healthcare providers ensures that the senior's wishes are followed correctly.
Contact Senior Helpers for Care and Support Services
Advance care planning is an important step for ensuring that seniors receive the care they want, according to their personal preferences and values. Starting these conversations may feel challenging, but it provides peace of mind for both seniors and their caregivers. Don't wait—begin the advance care planning process today. For those in Asheville, Hendersonville, Arden, and Fletcher, NC, Senior Helpers Asheville is here to provide support and guidance. Contact us to learn more about our senior care services!