Advance Care Planning....Why Plan Ahead?
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60% of people say that making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is important....but only 44% of people have communicated their wishes.
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82% of people say it is important to put their wishes in writing...but only 23% have actually done it.
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90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of -life care is important...but only 27% have actually had the conversations.
Help ensure your wishes are understood and take the burden off your loved ones by discussing and documenting your preferences and
decisions in advance.
Three Key Tools to Help You and Your Family:
1. General Advance Care Planning:
A. Prepare For Your Care (internet-based)
Easy and interesting way to explore your values and preferences for care. In the end you can save online and/or print out a copy of your thoughts for yourself, completing advance directives and sharing with your healthcare team. Free at: https://prepareforyourcare.org/welcome
Or...
B. The Conversation Project (paper format)
Like Prepare for Your Care website, only this is a form that can be printed out to help you, step-by-step, to explore and write down your values and care preferences. Download a free copy at:
2. Colorado MDPOA
One document every adult in Colorado should complete…Now! Remember as an "interested party" state, Colorado is relatively unique in the nation, meaning that any "interested party" may have a say in your health care decisions if you lose decision-making ability….Identify who you want to make decisions if you are unable to, have a discussion with them, and indicate care preferences most important to you on this form.
free at: http://coloradoadvancedirectives.com/
3. Colorado MOST
If you have a serious or life threatening illness, this document will allow you to clearly state your preferences for care. Complete this with the assistance of your care team and it becomes physician orders. This helps ensure your preferences for care are followed through should you need emergency services or be hospitalized when you are too ill to communicate. Addresses code status, general preferences for care and preferences for artificial feeding.
free at: http://coloradoadvancedirectives.com/