If you have ever had laryngitis, you know how difficult it can be to express even the simplest idea. Fortunately, that experience is usually short-lived, and we can resume our normal conversations easily. But what if you lost your voice in a significant way. If a serious illness or accident left you unable to speak for yourself, who would speak for you and what would they say?
We ask these and other important questions each year on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day. NHDD is an initiative to encourage people to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. It begins with identifying the care you would like, or not like, to receive in various situations and writing this down, and then naming a trusted adult who will ensure these needs are communicated to those responsible for your care.
This conversation is not only about end-of-life care but is meant for any time of life when an unexpected medical crisis might happen. It’s not an easy conversation to have, for sure. While a majority of individuals think it’s a good idea, according to the Conversation Project, only 23% of adults across the country have actually documented their wants and needs and many say that they haven’t created an advance directive simply because they don’t like talking about it. What we often fail to realize is that this discomfort is small compared to the distress of making decisions in the moment in a hospital setting. Having documented plans reduces stress and anxiety for everyone involved in their loved one’s care.
It’s important to remember that Advance Care Planning is a process, not a single event, and that the primary document -— the Advance Care Directive — can be easily changed as the person’s needs and desires change. Ideally, this is reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Dusk-to-Dawn Bereavement Services is hosting their next Brownbag Learning Series event at noon April 13 in the Luther Hall of Christ Lutheran Church, 300 W. South Blvd. This workshop is an excellent introduction to Advance Care Planning for those not yet started with the process and a good reminder for those who have created an Advance Directive but may wish to review it.
Some of the questions we will consider include:
• What is Advance Care Planning and why is it important? Learn why considering your needs and wishes will be beneficial not only to you but to those invested in your care.
• What are proven strategies and tips for starting the conversation? Having these discussions can be challenging, as thoughts of death and illness are often uncomfortable. Learn some ways to start the conversation with your loved ones and providers.
• What documents and resources are most helpful? There are several different approaches to Advance Care Planning including First Steps, Five Wishes, and the Conversation Project. Learn which of these might be the best resource for you to use in the planning process.
We hope you will join us for this important discussion. Have the conversation now while your voice is clear and strong and while you can still speak for yourself.
Workshop facilitator j Miranda is a Certified Advance Care Planning Facilitator, End-of-Life Coach, and staff counselor at Dusk-to-Dawn Bereavement Services. Contact j at 765-267-1760 or at dusk-to-dawn.org
