Advance Care Planning: It’s Always Too Early Until It’s Too Late
Every year in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, we spread awareness about the importance of advance care planning.
Advance care planning involves writing out choices for the healthcare you want to receive if you were unable to speak for yourself in a medical crisis—whether it’s a long-term illness, sudden accident or your final months of life. No matter your age or health status, as April 16 approaches, think about talking with your loved ones and healthcare practitioners to understand your options and think about what you'll want. While it can be uncomfortable to think about planning for a crisis or your own death, it relieves the burden from your loved ones and is a gift that allows for a peaceful end of life.
The Hospice team also encourages you to start conversations with friends, family and patients and remind them to complete an advance directive and medical power of attorney. Completing an advanced directive or living will gives you a voice to ensure others know how you would want to be treated. It can also lessen the burden for family members because they have a clearer understanding of your wishes. It's important for everyone! These resources will be helpful when you have those conversations:
These additional resources may also provide direction as you take on these difficult conversations, or they can help guide patients to talk with their loved ones:
- Advance care planning informational page on CarilionClinic.org/ACP
- Advance care planning resources on Hospice's page on CarilionClinic.org/hospice
- Free guides and workbooks to help you have conversations about advance care planning on The Conversation Project
- An interactive way to have difficult conversations about advance care planning on the website Death Over Dinner
National Healthcare Decisions Day is dedicated to helping you understand and assert your healthcare preferences. Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one or helping a patient, this is an opportunity to learn about advance directives, gather resources and ask questions in a supportive environment.
For more information or questions related to advance care planning, email Carilion_Advance_Care_Planning@carilionclinic.org.
As National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) approaches, consider planning for how you want to be cared for if faced with a life-limiting illness or medical crisis.
Resources to help with advance care planning are linked below. You can download these resources to share with family, friends and patients.
On Wednesday, April 16, visit an Advance Care Planning (ACP) table near you to talk with an ACP professional.
