Basically, it’s a plan that outlines your values and treatment preferences that you prepare in advance, in case you experience a serious illness or injury (for example: severe COVID-19 pneumonia, a major car accident, or a massive stroke) and cannot speak for yourself.
In a randomized controlled trial, advance serious illness planning was shown to reduce the burden and conflict among loved ones and reduced stress, anxiety and depression in surviving family members. Patients who used our Advance Serious Illness Planning Guide:
At the point when you experience a serious illness, doctors will need to know whether to apply life-sustaining treatments, and they may not know for sure if you are dying. End of life plans don’t apply.
We want to help you understand how communicating your values and preferences are an important part of decision-making about your medical care during a serious illness — whether you live or die.
Did you know that the legal documents you might have already created are very inadequate to support your family in making the right decisions about your future medical or personal care decisions when you are incapacitated due to illness?
They do a great job of legally appointing a decision maker, but they don’t provide them with instructions for your care based on your own values and preferences. Also, most powers of attorney documents don’t include instructions to prevent misuse or abuse of your resources if you become vulnerable and unable to manage your own affairs.
Traditional planning efforts are unhelpful and do not adequately equip your family to manage your life and affairs if you aren’t able. Ease the burden on them by creating your Advance Serious Illness Plan today.
Failing to plan could lead to undesirable outcomes such as:
It’s impossible to be 100% certain about what the right choice is in a life and death situation.
However, it’s a lot easier when your legal representative knows what you value, what your goals are, and what criteria you have chosen to base your decisions on.
Ease the burden of decision-making for your loved ones by putting your values on paper and create your Advance Serious Illness Plan today.
Have your loved ones ready to support you in your healthcare decision making if needed.
Have your loved ones ready to support you in your healthcare decision making if needed.
Get equipped with their guidance in case of a medical event or illness.
Cover the essential must-knows before creating power of attorney for care and health directive documents.
“No patient ever knows going into the ICU that their family will be faced with such a difficult decision to make on their behalf. And asking them to make a decision on whether to live or die prior to being put on life support in such a short time is unimaginable.”
~ Legal Representative
(without an Advance Serious Illness Plan)
