Living Will Documents Help Loved Ones Ensure Your Wishes Are Followed

Caring Decisions

As a palliative medicine physician, I've been at the bedside of patients who were not ableto speak for themselves andhad not identified a healthcare power of attorney who could share their medical wishes. For me, the hardest part is not knowing the designated person the care team should speak with to make these importantdecisions.

This is why the team at ReadingHospital recognizes "National Healthcare Decisions Day" annually on April 16. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of encouragingpeople to identify their healthcare power of attorney andmake their healthcare wishes known in advance.

I realize this can be a difficult and challenging conversation to have with your loved ones. Here are a fewtips to get you started.

1. Identify the person you'd like to make decisions for you, if you aren't able tomake them yourself. This could be a spouse, an adult child, a family member, or a friend. Think about someone who knows your values, what's importantto you, and who will be comfortable being your voice if you are not ableto speak for yourself.
2. Complete a living will document. For most people, this is the most challenging step. To help with your decision-making, I suggest thinking about your "wants" before your "want nots." Think about what a good day is for you, and if you would be fulfilled if you were not able to do some of those things. For example, a good day for me is when I can go to work, laugh, eat the foods I love, be with my children, and feel my feelings.
3. Talk to the individual you've chosen. This can be a difficult conversation to have, butit is very importantso your loved one is not surprised if asked to make decisions in the event of an accident. During the conversation, I recommend sharing the "wants" you identified above. This will help them understand your wishes and guide any decisions they are asked to make. You should also share where you keep a copy of your living will so they can reference it, if needed.
4. Share your final document with your physician. When you complete your document, please share a copy with your Reading Hospital physician at your next appointment so they can scan a copy into your MyTowerHealth account.

If you are looking for a document, I recommend the Five Wishes® living will/advance directive template. This document is free, easy to read, and accepted as a legal document in Pennsylvania when you sign it. Many Tower Health Medical Group offices have this document available, or you can view the the English version or Spanish version online.

You can also click hereto learn more about advanced care planning on the Tower Health website.

National Healthcare Decisions Day isn't about paperwork. When you ask the questions and have the important conversations, it's truly a gift to those you love most. Sharing this information in advance will give them the peace of mind to make the best decisions for you.