It’s never too soon to start talking about how we want to be treated when we are nearing the end of life. By having some of these important conversations earlier, we can support decisions that are aligned with our loved one’s wishes. Start the conversation on end-of-life planning by attending a free seminar on Monday, September 9, at 5:30 pm in the Seymour Auditorium of the Asheville CarePartners campus.
Life can be complicated on a good day. So when the unpredictable happens, we (family or friends) may be faced with serious medical decisions to make for our loved ones. Through difficult times, we need all the help we can get! By having some of these important conversations earlier, we can support decisions that are aligned with our loved ones wishes.
It’s never too soon to start talking about how we want to be treated when we are nearing the end of life.
Many people ask for support in having discussions with family around wishes related to end-of-life decisions. Afterward, most people say: “I was dreading this meeting, but I’m very glad we did.” It’s about how you live until the time comes. It’s about how you want to be treated by your family and medical providers when we are nearing the end of life. These wishes may be informally expressed to our loved ones, but it’s never too early to start these conversations and complete the necessary forms to support these delicate wishes.
Advance Directive forms are a good place to start. These are the legal documents where a person(s) is designated to be the back-up medical decision-maker, along with a statement about some of the medical treatments and decisions that may be offered at the end of life.
The first part is the Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) form, where individuals are appointed to be the surrogate decision-maker or healthcare proxy. This allows a trusted person the authorization to make medical decisions when the person cannot speak for themselves. Mission Health uses the “An Advance Directive for North Carolina: A Practical Form for All Adults,” which will be provided during the event and completed with notary if desired. It can also be found as a printable “PDF” document online.
The second part is the Living Will form. This legal document can assist in guiding medical treatment at the end of life, primarily when life-prolonging medical interventions may be offered, but no longer desired under specific circumstances. This statement or message to the healthcare proxy (and family) should be reviewed from time to time. It’s only helpful if the wishes are known!
On Monday, September 9, 2019, at 5:30 pm, an Advanced Care Planning community event will be held. It will be in the Seymour Auditorium at the Asheville CarePartners campus. These documents will be discussed in-depth, and a notary will be available for completion if desired. Please call Henry “Mac” McNair at 828-384-5926 for additional information or if you plan to attend.
These conversations and documents are very important, regardless of age or health condition! This event is free and open to everyone.
Advance Care Planning documents will also be discussed, including the goldenrod Portable DNR and the pink MOST forms. These are physician-related forms to be discussed with a medical provider.