NATIONAL HEALTH CARE DECISIONS DAY STARTING THE CONVERSATION GUIDE NHDD is the day to consider your personal wishes regarding your end of life health care. Share your preferences through conversation with loved ones, as it's the best way to ensure you receive the care you desire! The discussion is a gift to them: they will be empowered with clarity and confidence to carry out your wishes if you are una START THE CONVERSATION... Step one: offer some facts to spark discussion with those close to you. 70% of Americans hope to die at home, but 70% die in hospitals or other facilities. Time/CNN poll Why do you think so many people do NOT spend their last days where they hope to spend them? I hope to spend my last days ________. What about you? Where do you hope to be and why? I hope to avoid spending the end of my life ________. How can we make that more likely? 70% of those 60 and older who faced treatment decisions in their final days have been incapab of participating in those choices. New England Journal of Medicine Has anyone close to you needed life-sustaining treatment decisions made for them? Did the patient's loved ones feel comfortable in making these choices? Why or why not? Do you think this patient received the care he or she preferred? How did this situation impact you? How did it impact me? What did we learn? By stating the end of life care we desire in advance, the communication alleviates a burden on family members and results in less complicated grief. Journal of Palliative Medicine Have you ever felt burdened by end of life situations? What would have made that situation less burdensome? At the end of my life, what would make that time easier for you? When I die, what do you need to know to make grief less difficult? What can we do ahead of time? EMPOWERED LIFE CHOICES. END OF LIFE QUALITY. lifemattersmedia.o @LifeMMed
NATIONAL HEALTH CARE DECISIONS DAY CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION... Step two: think about what LIVING WELL means at every age or stage of health. We cannot predict every medical scenario, so let's discuss how w hope to live no matter the circumstance. What are some of the things that make my life truly meaningful? What can I not imagine living without? What fears or worries do I have about my future medical care? What gives me strength and comfort in difficult times? Your answers to these questions are among the most important values to share to help loved ones understand if a treatme option aligns with your goals. If it won't help you achieve your goals of living well, it likely isn't the right choice for you. Now, it's important to select and communicate with one person who knows your care goals best... Step three: select a health care agent. Who should carry out my wishes if am unable to speak for myself? This is a person who: Knows my wishes Is accessible Can make decisions under stress Will act on my beha Step four: legalize the appointment of your health care agent in an advance directive, like a power of attorney for health care. It goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate care preferences. It is valid upon two signatures: yours and that of a witness. It neither requires an attorney nor notarization! It is a living document, so you may adjust it when changes occur in life or health. What next? Share your preferences with your physician and ensure a cop of your advance directive is in your medical record. Ensure your agent has a copy, as well as other loved ones likely to be with you in a crisis Review decisions periodically. This is a conversation that continues and changes over time! Thank you for starting the Conversation! lifemattersmedia.o @LifeMMed
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