The inevitability of death is a fact of life that many people prefer to avoid thinking about. However, embracing death preparedness can have a profound impact on one's ability to live fully in the present.
Death preparedness refers to the process of planning for one's eventual death, including making arrangements for end-of-life care, creating a will, and discussing funeral arrangements with loved ones. While this may seem like a morbid topic, taking care of these practical matters can actually alleviate stress and allow individuals to focus on living in the moment. First and foremost, death preparedness can provide a sense of peace and control. Knowing that one's affairs are in order can relieve the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany thoughts of death. By addressing these concerns head-on, individuals can feel more secure and present in their daily lives. In addition, death preparedness can help individuals prioritize what is truly important to them. It can serve as a reminder to focus on building meaningful relationships, pursuing fulfilling experiences, and living in alignment with personal values. By clarifying one's priorities, death preparedness can guide individuals towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. Furthermore, death preparedness can foster deeper connections with loved ones. By discussing end-of-life wishes with family and friends, individuals can strengthen bonds and ensure that their desires are known and respected. This can provide a sense of comfort and closeness that enhances the quality of life in the present. Finally, death preparedness can prompt individuals to make the most of their time. Knowing that life is finite can inspire individuals to seize opportunities, take risks, and pursue their dreams. It can encourage individuals to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, making the most of every moment. In conclusion, death preparedness may seem like a daunting topic, but it can actually enhance one's ability to live fully in the present. By providing a sense of peace and control, clarifying priorities, fostering connections with loved ones, and inspiring individuals to make the most of their time, death preparedness can be a powerful tool for living a fulfilling life.
"PREPARE for your care" is an online program that provides step by step plans for your care in the form of Advance Directives, if you are not able to speak for yourself. AD provides your family, friends and medical professionals with the information you would want them to know in the instance of any chronic or terminal illness care.
There are two very important Advance Directives that can be and should be completed in advance of, by anyone 18 years old and older. The first is the Living Well. When completed, witnessed and signed, this form will direct your medical care team of your wish for care should you be unable to competently speak for yourself and be facing chronic/terminal illness. A Living Will informs your doctor what care you want as well as the care you will not want at end of life. There are a number of things to address in a Living Well. For instance, if you will like all life supporting efforts or will rather have "comfort care". You can designate if you will prefer to die at home or in a care facility. Perhaps you want to chose whom or what is at your bedside or not there, at your final weeks, days or moments. All these circumstances can be address in your Living Well. The second form is the Health Care Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney. This document allows you to stipulate a person/agent to legally advocate for you if you are unable to speak for your own medical decisions. This person, the proxy, represents your values and concerns. Being appointed and documented, this person doesn't have to wait until you are terminal. They may act on your behalf when you are unconscious and temporarily ill, yet your proxy will also be aware of your Living Will and work on your behalf to unsure that your wishes are carried out if a situation is life ending. This person also has access to your medical records, avoiding the constraints of HIPPA. In picking your proxy, it is best to chose a person or persons you trust, whom is willing and able to speak up for you. So have a conversation with at least 2 people and list them in order of authority in case your first selection is unable to fulfill the duties. The third is Appointment of Agent for Body Disposition. This form, like the the above, appoints a person to act on your behave but in this case, it is after you are dead. So it is not related to healthcare or your Will. This person will be aware and appointed to follow your wishes related to the care of your body after you are deceased. Below are several additional resources to completed these documents. Some you are able to complete online then print. Others will needed to be downloaded, printed and completed by hand. Follow these steps...
Lastly, consider the utmost importance of these completed documents. If you are unable to advocate for yourself during a medical emergency or end of life, there are no guarantees that medical professionals will act in your best interest and may even consider your lack of advanced planning as indifference to the care you receive. |