By Marisette Hasan, RN, BSN, Vice President of Community Action and Policy
April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day, an annual advance care planning awareness initiative founded in 2008 by Nathan Kottkamp.
NHDD is celebrated nationally and in many states to encourage and empower each of us to begin continuing conversations about what we desire at the end of our lives. For more information and NHDD advance care planning resources go to The Conversation Project.
As a society who is often in denial about our own mortality, these conversations are often avoided until a medical crisis occurs with those we love. We must “normalize” initiating these conversations in just the same way we discuss an upcoming once in a lifetime dream vacation, wedding, or graduation celebration. You might ask, where do I begin breaking the silence on this topic? Here are a few suggestions on how to get started.
- Think about what matters most to you and what you want to experience at the end of your life.
- Choose who could best serve as your “healthcare advocate” or healthcare proxy” when you can no longer direct your care.
- Convene a family meeting to initiate your thoughts on your wishes.
- Put your thoughts into writing by executing an Advance Directive (Living Will or Healthcare Power of Attorney)
- Share your advanced directive with your loved ones and healthcare providers.
Personally, I experienced my first advance care planning conversation initiated by my mother in 1988. At the time, I was a hospice nurse with oncology nursing experience, but at that moment, as my Mom shared her wishes, I was her daughter, desperately wanting more time and the opportunity for more precious memories. In my heart I felt we could explore more treatment interventions and ask God for more time! However, my mother was clear in her mind and knew that she was dying. She succinctly shared these points.
- I am tired, I want to go home (physical and spiritual).
- Do not put all of money (life insurance) in the ground.
- Be the guardian for the girls (my sisters).
- Bury me in a white suit.
This conversation with my mom shaped my desire and intentionality in normalizing these conversations with my husband, my children, and my siblings.
C-TAC is engaged in helping community-based stakeholders identify and share Advanced Care Planning resources.
Please visit our partners to learn more:
WiserCare Advance Care Planning and Decision Support
MyDirectives | Advance care planning that’s simple, secure, and always available.
