Planificación anticipada de cuidados de salud
NIA Launches New Email Series to Help with Advance Care Planning
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has launched a new email series called Ready, Set, Plan! A Weekly Guide to Advance Care Planning. This series aims to assist individuals in starting the process of planning for their future health care over seven weeks. Advance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about medical care if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes.
Research shows that having conversations about future medical treatment and putting a plan in place increases the likelihood of receiving the care you want. It can also help loved ones grieve more easily and feel less burdened, guilty, and depressed. The series covers topics such as advance directives, living wills, durable power of attorney for health care, and other forms of advance care planning.
Advance care planning is not just for older or ill individuals. It is important at any age, as a medical crisis could leave you unable to communicate your own health care decisions. Planning ahead can ensure that you receive the medical care you desire and that someone you trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf.
To get started with advance care planning, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their values and wishes, talk to their doctor about advance directives, choose a trusted person to make medical decisions for them, complete advance directive forms, share the forms with relevant parties, and keep the conversation going by updating the forms regularly.
Various resources are available to help individuals create advance directives, such as the PREPARE for Your Care online program and The Conversation Project. While legal assistance is not required to create advance directives, it may be helpful to consult with a lawyer. Additionally, carrying a card in your wallet indicating that you have an advance directive and where it is located can be beneficial.
Advance care planning is a crucial step in ensuring that your wishes for medical treatment are followed in times of crisis. By engaging in this process, you can take control of your future health care and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. Sign up for the Ready, Set, Plan! email series today to begin your advance care planning journey.