Ever since I became ill and disabled I have been thinking about my care and how that will change as I get older. I was reminded of this the last time I went to the hospital and I was given a booklet called Planning for Advance Care Together. This booklet is helpful. There are questions and instructions on how to talk to your care team, family and friends who will be involved in your wellness plan.
I having a plan helps you and your wellness team with anxiety of the surprises that happen when you are ill and disabled. I know it gives me comfort that I have an advanced directive with a list of those I want to make decisions for me when I am not able to. This gives assurance.
Talking about medical issues or even death is a scary thing. Even so, I believe it is important to communicate this with your family and to work through the process of death and illness together. I have heard, read, and seen the devastation and destruction of family when an illness is hidden. A sense of betrayal, rejection, and abandonment enters into the relationship. That is why I try to be as communitive with my wellness team as I possibly can be. I am open. I sometimes have a hard time articulating my fears and concerns, but when I do that is when I communicate them what I need or what will be happening.
Here are some things I would like you to consider:
- Being as prepared as possible is a wise way of helping your family when you have passed away. This will help them with the stresses that happen when someone they love dies. I know from personal experience that a period of confusion, mourning, and a chaotic mess happens after a loved one passes. That is why having paperwork in order, having and advance direction, a will, and an action plan is vital in helping the love one left behind go through the process.
- For me, I am going to be journaling about what it is I want and how I want it to be before I talk to my family. This will help me state what I want in an articulate, respectful, and loving way. The booklet I received from the hospital has questions that I am going to answer so that I know what it is I want to say and how to say it.
- You can get an advance care booklet of your own. Fill it out, start planning
Here are some links I’d like to share with you:
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
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