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Facing end of life is difficult and most of us do not want to think or talk about it; however, advance care planning discussions provide opportunities to discover important information about ourselves and our loved ones. Making the time to have important end of life conversations allows time for honest discussion, reflection and planning that is often not possible during times of crisis. The staff at Harbor Hospice feels that it is important for everyone over the age of 18 to have an Advance Care Plan in place.
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There are certain triggers that are natural springboards for end of life conversations:
- Family Gatherings – Holidays – Funerals
- Death of a Friend or Colleague
- Newspaper & Magazine Articles
- Movies & Books
- Sermons
- TV Talk Shows
- Financial Planning Meetings
- Medical Check-ups
- Preparation of Wills
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As you explore your personal beliefs and values with your loved ones, the following thoughts may be helpful:
- Happiness – What brings meaning to your life?
- Challenging Times – what gives you strength?
- Family/Growing Up – Memories of loved ones?
- Personal Values – what makes life worth living?
- Lifetime Legacies – How do you want to be remembered?
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Peaceful Space
Often, we believe that others instinctively know what we would want under certain circumstances; however, having end of life conversations prevents our loved ones from second-guessing themselves. It may be helpful to look at it as giving your loved ones the gift of peace of mind. Harbor Hospice has developed a document called Creating Your Own Peaceful Space.
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This tool hones in on details as specific as what type of pajamas you would prefer, your physical environment, music, and the family and friends whom you would wish to be around you. To obtain a copy of this document, please call Linda at 800.497.9559 or email laerts@HarborHospiceMI.org. This document will also help prepare you to discuss the specific details about how you will want your beliefs and values supported as end of life draws near.
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Once you have thought through your end of life health care wishes and communicated them with your loved ones, it is time to select a health care proxy and to complete your Advance Directive. Harbor Hospice suggests the very user friendly Five Wishes Advance Directive. To preview a copy,click on this link. In Michigan, your proxy must sign an acceptance form before your Advance Directive becomes legal.
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Upon completion, share the document with your proxy, your loved ones, friends, physicians, hospital, pastor, attorney and others who play a role in your life. Keep a copy in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Many people think that the best place to keep their Advance Directive is in their safe deposit box; however, in doing so prompt retrieval becomes an issue, so this is not advisable as the prime method of storage.
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Our life experiences and the passage of time frequently alter our personal perception on the topic of death and dying. It is for that very reason end of life conversations are meant to be ongoing dialogs with our loved ones. Advance Directives may be changed as often as you wish; however, it is important to replace the old copies with the newly created ones.
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The staff at Harbor Hospice is available to answer questions or provide support should you have questions or should you like assistance in putting together an Advance Directive. There is no charge for this service. Please call Linda at 800.497.9559 to set up an appointment or email laerts@HarborHospiceMI.org.
Also, free Advance Directive information sessions are provided by Harbor Hospice for help in preparing end of life wishes. The 30 minute appointments are held at Tanglewood on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 10 am – Noon. Call the Wellness Office at at Tangelwood at 231.733.8643 to schedule an appointment.
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Advance Care Planning
