Here's How to Commemorate National Healthcare Decision Day
April 04, 2019
National Healthcare Decision Day is forthcoming. Here’s an easy and free way to commemorate the occasion: openly discussing how we want to be cared for at the end of our lives. Join Renown Health’s experts at a workshop about making decisions about an advance directive.
Among the random national holidays, this one has significance: April 16 is National Healthcare Decision Day. And experts agree that the best time to discuss your views about end-of-life care and to learn what choices are available is before a life-limiting illness or crisis occurs.
By preparing in advance, you can help reduce the doubt and anxiety related to decision making for your family if you cannot speak for yourself.
“Completing your advance directive is a gift you give your family,” says Mary-Ann Brown, RN, MSN, director of Palliative Care. “The stress associated with these difficult decisions is decreased if everyone knows what is important to you and what you want the end of life.”
What Are Advance Directives?
An advance directive is a document that states your choices about medical treatment and names another person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. This document allows you to make legally valid decisions about future medical care.
Find more information about advance directives and the form online.
The Conversation
The first step in completing an Advance Directive is to think about what’s important to you and talk to your loved ones. The Conversation Project provides helpful tools to guide you and your family through this challenging topic. Getting this information together will help you fill out and complete your advance directives.
Some things to consider and discuss with your family include:
- When you think about the last phase of your life, what’s most important to you?
- Who do you want involved in your care?
- Who should make decisions on your behalf if you’re not able to?
- Where do you want or not want to receive care?
- Are there specific treatments you would or would not want?
Complete Your Advance Directive Planning
In order to complete an advance directive, you will need either two witnesses or a notary to sign the form. Be sure to note restrictions on the witness process. When an advance directive is complete, you should keep the original. Copies should be given to your agent named in the form, your family, your doctor(s) and the location that you receive care.
Renown Health offers four advance directive workshops every month to cover the details of filling out this document. A healthcare team is available to answer questions and work through the process with you. A notary is also present to finalize the process, which means you can complete your advanced directives during this workshop. Find the workshop by calling 775-982-RSVP for more information.
Advance Care Planning Workshop
April 17, 1-2:30 p.m. | Free
Join Renown Health’s experts for a workshop about making decisions regarding end-of-life care. You will learn how to fill out an advance directive, receive one-on-one assistance and have your documents signed by a notary.
Workshops are typically held several times each month.
To RSVP, call 775-982-7787