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Memorial Health is raising awareness for the importance of advance care planning during National Healthcare Decisions Day. Advance care planning involves considering, discussing, and documenting preferences for future healthcare, including nominating a trusted person to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf. Key steps include starting the conversation with family and loved ones, completing the necessary paperwork, and revisiting plans as life circumstances change.
Memorial Health Advocates for Advance Care Planning
Memorial Health is increasing awareness for advance care planning during National Healthcare Decisions Day and month in Springfield, IL. The initiative encourages people to discuss their future medical care preferences. The CAPITOL CITY NOW reports this.
Nicole Geer, director of behavioral health at Memorial Health, and Angie Muhs, manager of external communications, appeared on the WTAX Morning Newswatch to underline the importance of advance care planning. This process involves contemplating, discussing, and documenting choices for future healthcare.
The aim is to ensure individuals have necessary paperwork in place so their wishes are respected if they become unable to make their decisions.
“Life is unpredictable. It’s vital to start the conversations with your family and loved ones, so they make informed decisions on your behalf if something happens,” said Geer.
Advance care planning includes designating a trusted person to make medical decisions and outlining treatment preferences.
Muhs recounted a personal experience highlighting the importance of planning ahead. Her husband, Bob Sharp, suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall, leaving her with tough decisions about his care.
“Having these papers prepared gives you clarity in terrible situations. It gave us comfort knowing Bob’s written wishes regarding his condition,” she added.
Geer affirmed that the first step is starting the discussion, followed by documenting it and discussing with physicians. Officials pointed out that individuals don’t need a lawyer to complete these documents, including appointing a power of attorney for healthcare.
Muhs stressed that planning ahead makes difficult scenarios more manageable, whereas Geer recommended regular review of plans with family and doctors, as preferences can change over time.
Documentation can prevent family disputes and provide clarity during tough times, officials added. Memorial Health provides advance care planning booklets online, with detailed information and resources at memorial.health.
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