Ask the Expert How do you have “the talk” with loved ones? Talking about death and dying can be uncomfortable and off-limits for many individuals but it’s an important conversation everyone should have. “This isn’t just a conversation adult children should have with their parents,” said Brian Lindo, MD, UnityPoint Clinic® Family Medicine Medical District. “It’s a conversation for all ages. None of us know if and when we may have a serious accident or illness. That’s why we want everyone to know Advance Care Planning is not just for the ill or elderly, it’s something every adult should consider.”
UnityPoint Health and UnityPoint Clinics are looking to better assist individuals in Advance Care Planning. A select number of sites are participating in the first wave of an Advance Care Planning program, which aims to identify best practices for gathering Advance Care Planning information in a way that is useful for the family and most importantly for medical providers.
Advance Care Planning is a way for individuals to think about and decide what kind of medical care they would want, if they were unable to speak for themselves. This information is then documented in an Advance Directive, which is a legal document more commonly known as a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
“We want to see a document that changes over time,” said Dr. Lindo. “Every time there is a life-changing event the Advance Directive should change. Our goal is to make these documents more thorough and created after many discussions regarding medical wishes. It should
“Our current process is not ideal,” said Dr. Lindo. “We are having conversations with people when they are going through possibly life or death decisions and asking them to decide immediately. It’s not a good practice. Most people need more time to learn about decisions and talk it over with guidance from a trained facilitator.”
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Advance Care Planning ensure your wishes are known and honored
Brian Lindo, MD, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine Medical District and Advance Care Planning physician champion
be robust and medical providers should be able to quickly locate it during an emergency and trust it enough to follow what is written.” Dr. Lindo also says the discussions with loved ones along the way are an important part of the Advance Care Planning process. “We urge family members to be in on these key conversations so there are no surprises,” said Dr. Lindo. “This is important work. These documents are not something that should be left to talk about ‘one of these days’ – the time is now.”
Think About Your Wishes These questions may help you with your advance care plan and provide you, your loved ones and care givers with peace of mind. Think about the following questions to have meaningful conversations about your future health care choices. •
What gives your life its purpose and meaning?
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What do you value most about your physical or mental well-being?
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Who among your family and friends are important in your life?
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Have you talked about your medical care choices with your loved ones when problems arise or death comes close?
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How would you describe your spiritual or religious life? Do you have a faith community? Do you have cultural or religious beliefs about medical treatment?
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Have you talked with your doctor or health provider about your health concerns and medical treatment questions?
To learn about Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives, visit unitypoint.org/ advancedirectives.