This post was written by Chris Brinneman, MSW, LCSW, manager, Advance Care Planning, Parkview Health.
When it comes to your healthcare, you can (and should) speak up and have a say. Advance Care Planning puts you in the driver's seat. Therapies and treatments only work if they work for you. Talk to the people who matter most about the care you want. The more you speak up, the better your healthcare experience can be.
Finding the right representative
Advance Care Planning, in part, helps you decide whom you should appoint as a surrogate healthcare decision maker. In Indiana, that person is called your healthcare representative. In Ohio, the person is called your healthcare power of attorney. In Michigan, that person is likely called your healthcare advocate. Regardless of the title, usually mandated by state law, this person is the individual you choose to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself due to an emergency, like after a car accident, stroke or at the end of life.
It's helpful to carefully consider and designate that representative now, before you are in a dire situation. Here are four things you should consider when choosing the person you want to be your healthcare decision maker.
- Are they willing, able and available? You shouldn’t assume that a person wants to be or can be your person. You need to ask them, assessing their willingness, ability and availability. For example, are they readily available by phone? Do they travel often with periods of time when they are not accessible? This could be an obstacle.
- Are they open to having ongoing discussions? A good representative is willing to talk about and understand your values, beliefs, experiences and how those impact your healthcare treatment preferences. These conversations should happen over time, as your goals and preferences may change.
- Are they prepared to make decisions that are consistent with your expressed wishes and in your best interests? A good representative isn’t afraid to ask questions and advocate for you. They are willing to make choices for you that they might not make for themselves.
- Can they be calm in a crisis and make crucial decisions during tough situations?
Other considerations
Once you have identified a person or two (it’s a good idea to have a backup), there are a few key points to remember:
- It is generally not advisable to name two people to serve as co-surrogate healthcare decision makers because if they disagree, the situation can become complicated.
- Sometimes people feel obligated to choose their spouse or their adult child, even when they don’t think that person will follow their wishes. You should choose the person who is right for you — even if your family pushes back.
- Once you appoint someone, formalize your decision in a legal document called an advance directive.
- Make sure that your decision maker and those close to you understand that this person cannot make decisions for you unless you are unable to make them yourself.
- You do not have to choose a surrogate medical decision maker, but if you don’t, understand that state laws direct who can make healthcare decisions for you.
Help with Advance Care Planning
At Parkview, we can help you to complete your state advance directive as well as online forms like Five Wishes or Prepare for Your Care. You can schedule a free one-on-one appointment with a certified Advance Care Planning facilitator by calling 260-266-1481. Those with a MyChart account can navigate to Advance Care Planning in the menu section and either schedule an appointment or complete an online Advance Care Planning module. We also offer an in-person Advance Care Planning Monthly Discussion Group.
Finally, if you already have a completed advance directive, you can upload your document through MyChart or bring it into your next medical appointment. The form will be added to your electronic medical record so that it can be accessed when needed.
