Advance care planning
Advance Care Planning at The Hospice of East Texas
Advance care planning is an essential process for individuals and families, offering peace of mind and ensuring that medical care aligns with personal values and preferences. At The Hospice of East Texas, we are committed to providing compassionate support and expert guidance for hospice care planning, helping you navigate this critical step in your healthcare journey.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is the process of thoughtfully considering and documenting your healthcare wishes for future medical care, should you become unable to communicate them yourself. It is suitable for adults at any stage of life, but especially important for those with serious or life-limiting illnesses. This proactive approach ensures that your loved ones and healthcare providers honor your decisions, alleviating potential stress during difficult times.
What Are the Steps for Advance Care Planning?
Taking the time to create a well-rounded plan can make a significant difference. Below are the key steps for effective advance care planning:
- Reflect on Your Values: Consider your healthcare preferences, goals, and what quality of life means to you.
- Discuss With Loved Ones: Share your wishes with family members and those closest to you.
- Complete Advance Care Directives: Document your decisions using official advance care directive documents.
- Designate a Healthcare Agent: Choose someone to act on your behalf by granting them Medical Power of Attorney.
- Share and Update Documents: Ensure your advance care directive documents are shared with the appropriate individuals and updated as needed.
What Are Advance Care Directives?
Advance care directives are official documents used to outline your medical preferences and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so. These documents are a cornerstone of advance care planning and ensure that your medical care aligns with your wishes.
Documents for Advanced Care Planning
The following are essential advance care directive documents:
- Medical Power of Attorney: Appoints a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
- Directive to Physicians and Family: Also known as a living will, this document specifies your preferences for end-of-life care.
- Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order: Ensures that medical personnel respect your decision to forgo resuscitation efforts in non-hospital settings.
Who Should Have Copies of Your Advance Care Directive Documents?
It is vital to ensure that your advance care directive documents are accessible to the right people. Copies should be provided to:
- Your family members or loved ones
- Your primary care physician or specialist
- The person you designate in your Medical Power of Attorney
- Any other trusted individuals involved in your care
These measures ensure that your wishes are respected and implemented seamlessly when the need arises.
Additional Advance Care Planning Resources
For more information and resources on advance care planning, consider exploring the following:
Texas Advance Directives Act on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Advance_Directives_Act
Texas Health and Human Services Advance Care Planning
National Institute on Aging: Advance Care Planning
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning
Advance Care Planning: A Conversation Guide
https://order.nia.nih.gov/publication/advance-care-planning-a-conversation-guide
At The Hospice of East Texas, we provide support and resources to guide you through the advance care planning process. Whether you are planning for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to help you create a plan that reflects your values and provides peace of mind.