By Laura Templeton, Chief Operating Officer
As the New Year begins, many of us set goals to improve our health, relationships and overall well-being. It is also the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters most and take meaningful steps toward ensuring that our values guide important decisions. One powerful way to do this is by engaging in advance care planning.
Advance care planning involves having intentional conversations about your health care wishes, documenting those preferences and organizing the necessary tools to make your voice heard, even if you are unable to communicate. Yet, many people delay this process. A national survey by The Conversation Project revealed that while 92 percent of people believe it is important to discuss end-of-life preferences, only 32 percent have actually had the conversation. For many, the hesitation stems from fear of upsetting loved ones or discomfort with topics of illness or death.
However, avoiding these discussions can leave families unprepared during critical moments. Advance care planning is not just about making decisions but also empowering yourself and your loved ones to navigate the future with clarity and confidence.
Steps to Get Started with Advance Care Planning:
Share Your Healthcare Wishes
Open, honest conversations with family members help them understand your values and preferences. These discussions are the foundation of meaningful care.
- Choose a Health Care Proxy
Designate someone you trust to make health care decisions if you are unable to do so. This proxy will act as your voice, ensuring your wishes are honored.
- Document Your Care Preferences
Create an advance directive that outlines the medical treatments you would or would not want in specific situations, such as life-sustaining interventions or pain management.
- Organize Important Information
Gather and safely store medical, financial and personal documents in a location that can be easily accessed by your trusted representatives when needed.
- Consider Hospice or Palliative Care
Explore compassionate care options that focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life, particularly for those facing serious illnesses.
Why Advance Care Planning Matters
An advance directive is not just a document. It is a gift to your loved ones that removes uncertainty and provides peace of mind during what can be deeply emotional and stressful times. For the impacted individual, it ensures their values and preferences guide critical decisions. For families, it offers clarity and helps prevent conflict when difficult care choices arise.
As we move into a new year, it is an ideal time to prioritize these conversations. By reflecting on your values, discussing them with loved ones and documenting your wishes, you are taking a meaningful step toward protecting your dignity by making sure that your care reflects what matters most to you.
About Laura Templeton
Laura Templeton is executive vice president and chief operating officer at Compassus, a national leader in home-based care, providing a full suite of services including home health, home infusion, palliative care and hospice.
