Our Advance Care Planning – Helping You Prepare for the Future
At Devoted Helpers in Wichita, KS, we understand that planning for the future is a deeply personal and essential part of managing one’s health care. Advance Care Planning is about making decisions now about the kind of care you want to receive in the future, particularly if you become unable to communicate your wishes due to illness or injury.
Discuss advance care planning with your licensed healthcare professionals and an attorney when legal documents are involved. Devoted Helpers provides non-medical everyday support and does not prepare medical orders or provide medical or legal advice.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance Care Planning involves thinking about your future medical care preferences and documenting your wishes in case you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It includes discussions with your loved ones and healthcare providers about the kind of care you would want if faced with a serious illness or injury.
This process can include a variety of documents, including…
- Living Will – A written statement that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment if you are unable to communicate.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – A legal document that appoints someone (a proxy or agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
- Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders – A directive to withhold life-sustaining treatment such as CPR in certain situations.
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) – A set of medical orders that guide healthcare providers on what actions to take during an emergency based on your preferences.
By having these documents in place, you ensure that your wishes are known and respected when it matters most, and that your loved ones are not left with difficult decisions in moments of emotional stress.
Why Is Advance Care Planning Important?
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Clarity and Peace of Mind – Advance care planning provides clarity for your healthcare providers and loved ones, ensuring they understand your wishes. It can reduce uncertainty and stress for both you and your family during difficult times.
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Avoiding Unwanted Medical Interventions – By specifying your preferences for care in advance, you can ensure that you are not subjected to medical treatments that are contrary to your wishes. For example, if you wish to avoid life-sustaining treatments or invasive procedures in certain circumstances, an advance directive can guide doctors and family members to honor those preferences.
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Empowering Your Loved Ones – Having an advance care plan in place can relieve your loved ones from the burden of making tough medical decisions without knowing your true preferences. It provides them with guidance and reassurance that they are making choices that align with your values.
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Improved Communication – Engaging in open conversations about your healthcare wishes can foster understanding and create strong communication between you, your family, and your healthcare providers. It can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding your future care.
When Should You Start Advance Care Planning?
The ideal time to begin advance care planning is before a health crisis arises. While it is never too late to start, planning early allows you to make thoughtful, informed decisions without the pressure of an emergency situation. Here are some key milestones when advance care planning can be particularly helpful…
- As You Age – Regardless of your current health, aging naturally brings changes to your body and healthcare needs. Advance care planning ensures you have a clear path to follow as those needs evolve.
- When Diagnosed with a Serious Illness – If you are diagnosed with a life-limiting or chronic illness, it is important to plan for what you want should your condition worsen.
- After a Major Surgery or Accident – After experiencing a life-changing event, such as surgery or a traumatic injury, it is an appropriate time to revisit your care preferences and update your plan.
- When You Have a Family or Caregivers – If you rely on loved ones for support, having an advance care plan in place helps them know how to care for you when the time comes.
Steps in Advance Care Planning
Families can use the following overview to start a conversation with their healthcare providers about advance care planning.
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Reflect on Your Values and Wishes – Think about what matters most to you in terms of your health and quality of life. Consider your beliefs about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and comfort care. Do you prefer aggressive treatment or a more holistic, palliative approach?
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Consult with Healthcare Providers – Talk to your doctors and healthcare providers about your medical conditions, treatment options, and likely outcomes. This will help you understand the implications of your choices and make well-informed decisions.
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Choose a Healthcare Proxy – Decide who you want to act as your healthcare proxy. This is the person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Discuss your values and healthcare preferences with them to ensure they are fully prepared.
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Document Your Wishes – Complete legal documents such as a living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare. These documents will guide your medical team and your family if you are unable to communicate your wishes.
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Review and Update Regularly – Your preferences may change over time as your health evolves, so it is important to review and update your advance care plan regularly. Be sure to inform your healthcare providers and loved ones of any changes.
Non-Medical Support from Devoted Helpers
Devoted Helpers provides non-medical home care, companionship, homemaking, and everyday assistance in Wichita, Kansas. We can help with personal routines, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and social interaction.
The medical services discussed in this article must be provided by appropriate licensed healthcare professionals. Devoted Helpers does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment, skilled nursing, wound care, physical or other therapy, medication administration, or hospice services.
For help with everyday life at home, call (316) 570-9489 or contact Devoted Helpers to discuss your non-medical support needs.
