A large part of healthcare for the elderly or those in emergency situations can be dictated by advance care planning. Advance care planning is predetermined healthcare that one would want if they were too ill to communicate it to their healthcare provider(s) them self. Because there are many forms of care and end of life can be unpredictable, it is important for each person to voice their preferences, no matter their current age or state. Making these types of decisions while one is healthy is important. It is also necessary to reevaluate these decisions throughout one’s life. It is recommended that individuals complete an advanced directive, which is a legal document concerning end of life care, for when one becomes unable to make their own decisions. Here are some recommendations from the National Institute on Aging on forming an advance directive:
- Think about and decide what kind of medical care you would and would not want in an emergency. Possibly consult your doctor about making these kinds of decisions with your current health. Consider health scenarios and what you would want to happen to you.
- Make your health decisions known through an advance directive. An advance directive consists of a living will and a power of attorney.
- Decide on certain medical issues such as organ and tissue donation, do not resuscitate order and forms to provide your doctor on your care.
- Some people explore having a healthcare proxy, who can have responsibility over your healthcare.
This information is useful on a personal level and when working with people in the healthcare system. Information was sourced from the National Institute on Aging. Click here to see the source and additional information on advance care planning:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning-healthcare-directives#what
