Advanced Care Planning

Improved Essays
Advanced care planning is an issue that most people do not want to talk or think about. It is an important issue that should be researched and executed. With the correct legal documentation in place, the wishes of the individual will be upheld. The planning will assist the family, with making decisions for their loved ones during this emotional time and the physician should be aware as well. To further assist in initiating the discussion with patients regarding end of life care, in 1990 the Patient Self-Determination Act was established. This act assisted the patients with learning about their rights to make decisions about their care, provide education for staff and the community about advanced directives, and make written information …show more content…
A living will is a necessary document which states my decision regarding whether to withhold or withdraw life sustaining treatment (Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). To further assist me with planning I will need a durable power of attorney. This document appoints an individual which I have chosen, to make decisions for me if I lose the ability to make decisions for myself (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2016). Resources that are helpful regarding advanced care planning include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, The National
Institute on Aging, various websites regarding advanced planning, speaking to the funeral parlor regarding burial arrangements and speaking with my pastor.
The discussion of advanced directives by the nurse with patients and their families should initiate before illness occurs. This discussion will empower the patient and family members with knowledge and an opportunity to ensure that at the end of life their wishes will be respected
(Clabots, 2012). Developing a nurse-patient relationship will foster communication about end of life care planning by building a trusting

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