April 26, 2023
There are healthcare recognition days, weeks and months throughout the year, and it seems like new ones are constantly added to calendars to raise our awareness or remind us of important preventive screenings and care. A recognition day fell earlier this month that I wanted to be sure I shared about before the month is over. That is Healthcare Decisions Day. Focused on advance care planning, this day is meant to remind, encourage and empower people to create a plan with an advance directive.
The advance directive includes two parts: a living will and the designation of a healthcare surrogate.
A living will contain instructions about whether you want life-prolonging procedures in the event you have a terminal condition, an end-stage condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. It is important to note that the healthcare team does not look at someone’s living will unless they meet the criteria to do so and the patient is unable to make their own decisions and cannot communicate with the healthcare team.
Another important point, the living will does not address your code status, which is whether you want to be resuscitated or not – that is a Do Not Resuscitate Order, commonly called a DNRO, and results from discussions with your doctor and medical team. The DNR must be signed by you and your doctor and should be uploaded to your electronic health record.
When it comes to the second part of the advance directive, designating a healthcare surrogate, you should choose someone you trust to make decisions should you be unable to make them yourself. You should have open, honest conversations with the person you choose, so you both are confident your wishes will be fulfilled. Another important point: healthcare surrogates have no financial obligation and are never responsible for hospital bills.
All adults 18 years and older should have an advance directive because accidents and illnesses can happen at any time to anyone, at any age.
You do not need a lawyer to make your wishes known or to complete these documents. Free forms and information are available for every state at www.nhdd.org or through our health system – go to www.LeeHealth.org and search ‘advance directives.’
Advance care planning is a gift to yourself and your loved ones – regardless of your age. Creating an advance directive allows you to document your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event you are unable to speak and advocate for yourself. If you already have an advance directive in place, this can also serve as a reminder to review it to be sure it still aligns with your wishes and that the right people are in place to carry out your plan. A good rule of thumb is to review your advance directive regularly, even once a year, but especially after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, retirement, a move out of state or a significant change in your health status.