Importance of discussion on advanced care planning (Part II)

Publisher’s note: This article is the second in a two -part series on the importance of discussing the wishes of a patient during the process of planning advanced care. This part speaks more to patients and families while the first part was addressed to doctors and caregivers.

Your mom, your spouse, your best friend says to you: “I have an appointment for planning advanced care. Please come with me. ” How do you answer? “I am busy. Why should I take the time? ” Or “Thank you for inviting me.”

If you are lucky to ask yourself, take the time to learn from the meeting! Your loved one, your friend asks you to be part of a very special conversation. You will experience an in -depth relationship with this person as well as better understanding of your own thoughts and wishes for end -of -life care.

See through the end of life veil

For better known reasons, American society has put a veil around end-of-life decisions and around death itself. It is an event of life that we are all guaranteed to live, but to what extent are we prepared for reality?

The expectations imposed on modern health care include the extension of life far in the future, but, no matter how advanced medicine has become, the relationship between being born and dying remains the same!

The concept of advanced care planning (and the discussion which is a vital part of the process) is to provide someone with the opportunity to explore and document their beliefs and their decisions for end -of -life care that reflect their individuality and their self -concept. The fact that you were invited to participate in this conversation indicates the important role you play in this person’s life.

Do I do the right thing?

Planning the types of decisions that person would like to make or having made for them is actually a gift to their families or close friends. Are they kidnapping the question of “Am I doing the right thing?” And replace it with the knowledge that “that’s exactly what he wants”.

For families who have lost dear beings, one of the biggest questions is “Did I follow his wishes?” For someone who participated in the discussion, the answer is “yes”.

Last update: November 6, 2018