Today is the 7th annual National Healthcare Decisions Day and all adults are encouraged to make sure they plan ahead and make their wants known to their loved ones.
Today’s observance is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring all adults with decision making capacity have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.
HCI Hospice Care Services social worker Lauren Devan says though the process can seem tough to start, having advanced directives documented is very important.
“This allows you the opportunity to sit down and really think about what kind of care you would like to have done in the event that you weren’t able to verbalize and communicate your wishes” says Devan. “Sitting down before an accident or illness takes place, not making these decisions under a lot of pressure, can really help to ease some of the stress and provide some peace of mind as well.”
There are two main types of advance directives, your healthcare power of attorney which validates the person you select to be your voice if you cannot speak for yourself and a living will which verifies the kinds of medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life.
Everyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to have these wishes documented and also encourage their loved ones to do the same.
To help start the conversation, HCI Care Services has free informational packets available. Anyone who would like one can stop at their office at 402 12th Street in Perry or call 465-4705.