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FOR YOUR HEALTH What are ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES?

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—Janet

—Janet

BY MARY ABRAHAMS

Montana’s population is aging faster than the national average. In 2019, nearly 17.9 percent of Montanans were age 65 and older, ranking in the top five states with population of 65 or older. Nationally, the average is 14.5 percent. In Yellowstone County 17 percent of the population is age 65 and over.

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Planning for end-of-life decisions is more important than ever as we age. We don’t like to think or talk about death and dying. However, early and ongoing family conversations can inform important future decisions. We might believe our family is aware of our choices for end-of-life healthcare. In reality, they may not know.

Making decisions about care and needs can be very stressful for surviving family members. It’s much easier to have such a conversation now – when death does not feel imminent – than when you are entering the hospital because of a stroke, heart attack or motor vehicle crash.

Creating an advance directive gives you control over your healthcare decisions. It provides information to your healthcare team if you are unable to communicate and guides decisions about your healthcare. An advance healthcare directive provides comfort to your family, preventing them from guessing what it is you would want. Studies show that families who engage in the advance care planning process have less stress, confusion and guilt about their decisions.

An important step in advance planning is to choose a healthcare proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney, healthcare agent or surrogate decision-maker. Everyone over age 18 needs a proxy. Up until then, a parent or legal guardian is automatically considered a child’s proxy. But after age 18, that is no longer the case. In fact, in many places, if you are over 18 and have not filled out a proxy, the legal system will choose one for you.

You can start the planning by bringing up the topic with one or more of your loved ones. Then set a time to discuss it, giving your loved ones time to think about the issue. Family members may be less resistant to discussion if the issue is brought up in one conversation and a later date is set to talk.

We are living longer than past generations. Medical technology can extend our lives when we become seriously ill and it can prolong suffering. Patients and their families are often faced with a myriad of choices for treatment. Advance planning always seems too soon, until it’s too late.

March 8 Discussion

RiverStone Health invites community members to learn more about advance healthcare directives at noon on March 8 at the Adult Resource Alliance, 1505 Avenue D. This free, informational session will include time for discussion and questions. Forms for Montana advance healthcare directives will be available to take home.

For more information about the March 8 presentation, contact Mary Abrahams, community outreach coordinator for RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice, at 406-6516500.

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