It’s time for an open and honest conversation
Honest conversations about death and dying
One of the most important conversations any individual may have with their loved ones or care providers is around their wishes concerning death and dying.
With National Advance Care Planning week upon us, now is an excellent time to have these open discussions, and to write an Advance Care Directive.
Talking about death and dying is not always easy, but these conversations are extremely important. There comes a time in many people’s lives when they can’t make their own decisions or are unable to speak for themselves.
By making and having a plan, you can share your wishes with family and friends, reducing any additional stress when choices need to be made on your behalf.
Advance Care Planning is a huge part of the care that Resthaven staff provide. Each of our employees receives training in this important area, with hands-on support and guidance provided by our specially trained palliative care nurses.
We encourage advance care planning conversations during the admission process and continue with ongoing and evolving choices as care needs change. Open and honest conversations, and clarity of wishes are key.
What is an Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive is the written instructions of your wishes when it comes to death and dying. An Advance Care Directive is used when a person is no longer capable of making their own decisions.
Some of the questions to consider when making your Advance Care Directive are:
- What is important to me?
- What treatments do I want to avoid?
- What does quality of life mean for me – for example – if I could no longer speak or recognise those around me?
- Where do I want to live?
- Any other personal arrangements to be considered?
- What are my dying wishes?
- Who can/will speak for me and make decisions for me if I can’t speak for myself?
Talking about death and dying is so important. We want people to have these conversations early, and to explore them deeply. That way, we can carry out these wishes, and best support everyone involved.
Opinion piece by Darren Birbeck
Chief Executive Officer
Resthaven Incorporated