Every day you make choices that impact your life.  And, as a capable adult, you have the right to participate in making choices about your future medical care. 

Many of you have planned for the future by having a health insurance plan, and/or a financial plan - you should also consider the healthcare situations you may encounter in the future and have a plan that defines the kind of end-of-life care that you want.    

Advance directives are a formal legal document that clearly communicates your goals and values.  There are two parts to an advance directive, your personal plan and your appointment of someone who will be responsible to see that your wishes are remembered and respected.

The personal plan is known by most as a living will.   Having a living will is the best way to make sure that, if you are incapable of participating in making a decision about your care, those around you know your views.  This plan can provide great comfort to those who will make those end-of-life decisions for you.

The second part of the advance directive designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are incapable.  This “healthcare surrogate” or “power of attorney for healthcare” has the power to direct the care you receive when you are not able to actively make those decisions yourself.

After you have decided what care you would like to have, it is vital to communicate your wishes to your physicians, other health professionals and, most importantly, to those close to you.  Talking about these issues may not be easy, you may not know how to start the conversations, you may face resistance and even denial – it’s not easy talking about the quality of life you want at the end of life.

Just as you keep a medical record of medications, surgeries, allergies, etc. for emergencies, Florida Hospital HospiceCare wants to give you an opportunity to keep a record of your personal plan for your future healthcare.   For more information on how to complete your advance directives, talk to your HospiceCare Social Worker or go to http://caringinfo.org/PlanningAhead.htmd.