What is the Role of A Patient Advocate?
The health care agent’s role is to be your voice – not to make decisions based on their own wishes. You should talk to your agent about your wishes so he/she knows how to speak for you. The more you tell your agent, the better he/she will be able to help make decisions as you would make them yourself, if you were able.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Should I Do Advance Care Planning?
No one knows the future, but we can try to plan for it. For example, we have car insurance to protect us financially in case we get in an accident. When it comes to medical issues, most of us are used to making our own decisions regarding medical treatments we want or don’t want. Unfortunately, a serious illness or injury can suddenly make it impossible for us to communicate our wishes, and leave our doctors and loved ones guessing. Advance Care Planning can help us avoid putting this unnecessary burden on our loved ones and allows us to maintain some control over the care we receive. It enables physicians and families to feel confident that medical decisions are based on the goals and values of the patient, even when that person can’t speak at that moment.
What is the Focus of Advance Care Planning (ACP)?
Advance Care Planning focuses less on specific treatments, and more on the person’s values and goals for living. It's not so much about what the treatment does, as it is about what it might mean for the patient's health or way of life. By focusing on the patient’s goals, the physician can recommend a treatment strategy most likely to help achieve those goals.
When Should I Do ACP?
Anyone over 18 years of age can and should complete an Advance Directive. Conversations about Advance Care Planning should be part of routine medical care because anyone can fall victim to a serious illness or injury.
Completing an Advance Directive becomes even more important for people with serious medical conditions, and for people with advanced illness or those at higher risk of losing their decision-making ability, Advance Care Planning becomes a critical need.
While Advance Care Planning is sometimes done during estate planning, it is not necessary to hire an attorney to complete an Advance Directive.
Who Makes Decisions For Me If I'm Not Able To?
A health care agent or Patient Advocate that you name in your Advance Directive has the authority to make nearly all medical decisions you would make if you were able, including:
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choosing your doctor or other healthcare provider and where you will receive your care
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speaking with your healthcare team about your condition and treatment options
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reviewing your medical record and authorizing its release when needed
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accepting or refusing medical treatments, including artificial nutrition and hydration and CPR
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consenting to tissue and organ donation, authorizing an autopsy, and arranging for disposition of the remains after death
What Makes a Good Patient Advocate?
Your Patient Advocate should be someone who knows you well, someone you trust to follow your instructions, and who is willing and able to act as your decision-maker. It cannot be your health care provider or someone who works for your health care provider.
In choosing an agent, consider if he/she:
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is legally able to serve as your agent (the person must be 18 years old; may not be your healthcare provider or her/his employee)
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will be available when needed
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is willing to speak on your behalf
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knows you well and understands your values and beliefs
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will be comfortable asking questions of your healthcare team, particularly related to issues
such as treatment options -
will do his/her best to make the healthcare decisions that you would make (whether or not he/she agrees with you)
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will be able to “stand up” for you, be your advocate, and handle conflict with others who might disagree with your wishes
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can make difficult decisions under stress
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It is important to talk to your Advocate to be sure they understand your wishes and are comfortable carrying them out if needed. Talking to family members and telling them whom you have chosen as your agent and why can help prevent family conflict during an emergency.
What Happens if I Change My Mind?
You will likely change your mind about your healthcare as you age and or become more ill. Advance care plan forms should be reviewed with your health care professional and family frequently. If you change your mind regarding some of your wishes, complete a new form. The most current form on file will be used.
Can my Directive or Advocate be Changed?
Yes. But you, and only you, can change your advance directives at any time, as long as you are capable of making decisions. If you do fill one out, a copy can become part of your medical file.
What if I am injured or become ill when I am away from home?
The best way to ensure that you receive the type of care you want is to discuss your choices with the person who will represent you and make sure they have a copy of your advance directive. A wallet card, indicating you have an advance directive, is also available.
What happens in an emergency?
In the event of an emergency, life-sustaining measures may be started, possibly before your medical record is available. Treatment can be stopped if it is discovered that it’s not what you would have wanted.
What Next?
Do I have to Have a Lawyer to Complete an Advance Directive?
No. The law does not require you to have an attorney. The choice is yours.
Does my healthcare Advocate also have control over my finances?
No. Your agent can only make health care decisions for you when you are unable to communicate for yourself.
GET STARTED!
Many individuals believe that planning for their future healthcare is a wise thing to do, but few do it. Begin by thinking about your Patient Advocate (who will speak for you when you are unable). Next, schedule an appointment with one of our trained ACP Facilitators. Just click on the link below. Finally, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by submitting the GET IN TOUCH FORM.