Links to Helpful Advanced Care Planning Resources
According to the CDC, 70% of Americans do not have an advanced care plan. Everyone deserves the right to access information that can benefit their wellbeing, especially at the end of life stages. But unfortunately, the majority of people aren't aware that this is even an option.
As a doula, it's important to me to help others minimize unnecessary stress in an already stressful time. One way to help remove unnecessary stress is to create an advanced care directive, or a list of wishes in the event you aren't able to make decisions for yourself. The main purpose of an advance directive is to appoint a surrogate to act on your behalf when you cannot. “You also can give instructions about the kind of health care you do or do not want,”according to American Bar Association (ABA).
Each province/state differs in their regulations, so it's important that you visit your region's healthcare websites for accurate information. Some require a notary and some do not. Some classify these documents as legal documents, where some do not. It really depends on where you live.
Advance Care Directives must be considered by your Durable Power of Attorney for Personal Healthcare (aka Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) or Proxy Agent) at the time of medical treatment.
Also, please keep in mind:
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Wishes are not the same as consent.
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Your wishes may not always be followed to a tee.
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A Durable Power of Attorney for Personal Healthcare is not the same as having a Power of Attorney for Property/Finances.
This is important to know because:
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You're always entitled to change your mind
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Medical professionals must gain consent from either you or your substitute decision maker at the time of treatment.
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There may be several factors that could influence a health care decision.
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You can assign different individuals to be your Powers of Attorney.
The information can get confusing, and that's why I'm here to help out.
If you need a hand, click the link here or fill out the contact section at the bottom of the page, so that we can get in touch.
For Residents of Ontario:
You can download your own advance care planning workbooks for free. There is an abundance of information here:
Ontario Powers of Attorney Booklet
Dying With Dignity Advance Care Planning Kit
Speak Up Ontario Advanced Care Planning Workbook
For U.S. Residents:
Because there is currently no such thing as a national directive, please visit these links to learn more about advance care planning and to locate your local agency who can direct you to appropriate documentation.
Some Helpful Tips:
After you've completed your advanced care plan,
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Don't store it in a locked safe. You want this to be easily found. Instead, make copies and make sure you put it in a place that's easily accessible. Give a copy to your Power(s) of Attorney. Some agencies who offer advance care planning services also offer registries for safekeeping these directives, but they'll more than likely charge a holding fee.
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You can also print off a card that you can keep into your wallet, indicating that you have an advanced care directive in place. I think that this is an ingenious idea. It's free to download here: