Life decisions are made about education, marriage, and starting a family, why not about the end of life? End of life care is not a topic many wish to discuss, but avoiding the conversation can leave loved ones unsure of what to do. Part of end of life care is Advance Care Planning, an important discussion to assure your life is handled in a way you wish.
Hosparus Health encourages you to make future healthcare decisions known to family, friends, and healthcare providers.
It always seems too early, until it’s too late. When was the last time you had a conversation with the key people in your life about what is important to you? If you were unable to make decisions because of a medical emergency, who would speak for you?
Advance care planning is making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you’re facing a medical crisis. It can include the following:
This document lets you express your wishes for end-of-life medical care if you are unable to communicate your own decisions.
(For Kentucky Only)
This document lets you express your wishes for end-of-life medical care if you are unable to communicate your own decisions.
(For Indiana Only)
This order instructs medical personnel to withhold resuscitation efforts if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing. (Kentucky Only)
This order instructs medical personnel to withhold resuscitation efforts if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing. (Indiana Only)
The Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form is a voluntary end-of-life planning tool designed to give those who are seriously ill or medically frail the opportunity to make their health care wishes known in the event they are unable to speak for themselves. The MOST form can be completed by a patient or their health care surrogate and must be signed by a doctor.
The Indiana POST Program is an advance care planning tool that helps ensure treatment preferences are honored. It is designed for patients with serious illness. This form transfers throughout the health care system and the orders are valid in all settings.
You designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, which may also include authority to make personal and financial affairs decisions. This doesn't have to be an attorney, but any adult you trust. The document must list the powers you wish them to have or not have.
Hosparus Health is one of several local partners leading an effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making. Hosparus Health is a proud participant in National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD).
NHDD exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD is an initiative of The Conversation Project, and exists as a 50-state annual initiative to provide clear, concise, and consistent information on healthcare decision-making to both the public and providers/facilities. Although NHDD is April 16th, it is not limited to just one day. We want people to make their healthcare decisions known anytime.
