For most people, it always seems too early to discuss advance care planning — until it’s too late. That’s why HCI Care Services, along with other national, state and community organizations, is encouraging Iowans to express their healthcare wishes April 16 on National Healthcare Decisions Day.
“The goal of National Healthcare Decisions Day is for all adults to have the tools to discuss and document their healthcare wishes now, while they’re healthy and able,” said Katie McIntyre, media relations coordinator with HCI Care Services and Iowa liaison for National Healthcare Decisions Day.
HCI Care Services, the local non-profit, provides information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers and to complete written advance directives — such as healthcare power of attorney and living will — in accordance with Iowa state laws.
These resources and others are available at the HCI Care Services website or by stopping by an HCI Hospice Cares Services office or calling 1-800-806-9934.
Advance directives come in two main forms. A “healthcare power of attorney” (or “proxy” or “agent” or “surrogate”) documents the person selected to be the voice for healthcare decisions if an individual is no longer able to communicate wishes himself or herself.
A “living will” (or “healthcare treatment directive”) documents what kinds of medical treatments he or she would or would not want at the end of life.
It is important to note that advance directives only go into effect if a patient is no longer able to make decisions. Copies of these documents should be given to doctors, family members and close friends, as appropriate. They can be changed or canceled at any time, but they are virtually useless if no one knows about them when the need arises.
Visit the National Healthcare Decision Day website for more information.
