Part of managing your well-being in the later years is planning for future healthcare needs. You want to ensure your medical decisions align with your values and preferences if you can no longer communicate them. Advance care planning for seniors ensures this, reducing uncertainty and potential conflicts among family members and healthcare providers.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advanced care planning involves thinking about and documenting your healthcare preferences for situations when you’re unable to express them yourself. This includes deciding what medical treatments you would or would not want and who should decide on your behalf. It’s best to start the process early so your loved ones and healthcare providers know what you want.
Creating an Advance Directive
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes. There are two main types. A Living Will details what kind of medical treatments you want or don't want if you become seriously ill. Meanwhile, a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot.
To create an advanced directive, you'll want to:
- Consider what kind of medical treatment you would want in different situations, such as if you were to become seriously ill or incapacitated. Think about whether you would wish for life-sustaining measures or if you would prefer palliative care.
- Fill out the necessary forms, which vary by state. You can usually find these forms online or through your doctor's office.
- Have the document witnessed and notarized. The requirements for witnessing and notarization also vary by state. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your state to ensure your advanced directive is legally valid.
- Your preferences and circumstances may change. Review your advanced directive periodically and make any necessary updates. Consider evaluating it every year or whenever there is a significant change in your health or family situation.
Discussing Wishes with Loved Ones
Once you have an advance directive, discuss it with your family and caregivers. Open communication ensures everyone understands and respects your wishes. Choose a calm, private setting to avoid disruptions. Be honest about your feelings and preferences. Encourage your loved ones to ask questions. Ensuring everyone is on the same page will prevent confusion and stress in the future.
Ensuring Healthcare Preferences are Respected
Your healthcare providers must be aware of the existence of your advance directive for it to work. Provide copies of your advance directive to your doctors and hospital. Keep an easily accessible copy at home. Review and update your advance directive regularly, especially after significant health changes. These steps will ensure your healthcare preferences are respected.
Resources for Legal Assistance
Consider seeking out legal advice when creating your advance directive. Knowing the specifics and requirements can make the process smoother. Legal professionals specializing in elder law or estate planning can guide you in drafting documents that comply with state laws and accurately reflect your wishes. The Camden County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service.
Experience Exceptional In-Home Support With Senior Helpers
Advance care planning is essential for ensuring your healthcare wishes are known and respected. If you’re considering getting additional support to give you more time to plan for your future care needs, we can help. Senior Helpers Cherry Hill provides homecare solutions, helping seniors stay independent while aging in place. Contact us for personalized senior care in Haddonfield, Maple Shade, Voorhees, Swedesboro, and Pennsauken.