Planning Ahead
This week is National Palliative Care Week, and the theme is to ask the question, "What Matters Most?"
We are reminded to consider planning ahead now, to make it easier in the future.
It is important to adequately plan for your financial needs in your older years. Whilst the government provides support to those with very limited means, the reality is that each person is expected to make a personal contribution to the cost of their care, if and when it is required.
Also of great importance is to plan for the unexpected, life in later years, and end of life considerations.
Advance care planning can ensure that decisions about your health care can be made on your behalf if you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. This is particularly important for those who are older, frail, or living with a chronic illness, early memory problems, or approaching their end of life.
The first thing to do when making advance care directives is to consciously make a plan. A family meeting is a good way to openly discuss personal views and the various options with everyone present. Making everyone aware of your wishes will make any future transitions easier to accept.
Ensure you are prepared for the future by having up-to-date documentation in place. There are several documents that should be completed, in addition to a Will. These include Advance Care Directives and Power of Attorney.
An Advance Care Directive will communicate your care preferences if you are not well enough to communicate them yourself. This may include what you would like to do if faced with decisions regarding additional medical intervention. Such important decisions can be clarified by making an Advance Care Directive.
Consider appointing someone you trust as your Substitute Decision Maker. They will be able to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. They should be aware of your health and end of life wishes, and be willing to carry them out.
Everyone’s priorities as they approach the end of their life will be slightly different. By recording and communicating your choices, you will be more likely to receive the kind of care and treatments that are aligned with your goals and values.
Remaining in control is something most of us hope to do throughout our lives. Advance care planning is a key step in maintaining control at a time when we may not be able to communicate what matters most.
Visit palliativecare.org.au for more details.