“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. There is a very great distinction because when you are planning for an emergency you must start with this one thing: the very definition of “emergency” is that it is unexpected, therefore it is not going to happen the way you are planning.”
– Dwight Eisenhower, November 1957
President Eisenhower knew a thing or two about plans and planning for emergencies.
What if a healthcare emergency happens in your family, an accident or illness that prevents you from speaking for yourself?
Advance care planning is about deciding about the care you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. It is also about making a written plan, called a directive, so that everybody (you, your family, your provider) knows what you want.
What types of treatment would you want (or not want) if you were diagnosed with a life-limiting illness?
If you are in an accident or have an illness that leaves you unable to talk about your wishes, who will speak for you?
Here are a few resources to help you learn more:
Making a plan starts with your your provider or a member of your health care team.
There are a lot of questions to answer. It’s a process to start and work on and your plan will develop and change over time. These conversations may be hard, but they are also empowering. Your family, your care team (and you!) will thank you!
Open Door wants to empower our patients to make good decisions about their health and their healthcare. At your next clinic visit ask us how to make an advance care plan.
