Don’t make this mistake
In my career working in healthcare I have seen many people make this mistake.
Someone is sick and in the hospital or there is an accident. A family member steps up to discuss options and treatment.
Sadly, the family member doesn’t have the authority or permission to speak on behalf of the patient. The patient didn’t complete advance care planning documents.
The family doesn’t know their wishes or preferences.
The biggest mistake I see in working in healthcare is the lack of completed legal documents.
If you haven’t completed the appropriate documentation your loved ones won’t have authority or permission to speak to insurance or make decisions.
This delays care and causes unnecessary stress.
There is one way to avoid this situation all together.
Complete the advance care planning documents before there is a crisis.
What are the advance care planning documents? In California, they are the following:
Advance Health Care Directive
Power of Attorney for Finance
POLST-for seriously ill or advanced fraility
These documents can be found online or attend one of my advance are planning workshops to better understand your choices and sign the documents on the spot!
Spare your loved ones added stress and give yourself peace of mind knowing your wishes have been discussed and understood.
Check out our upcoming workshops here.
Other great resources:
https://theconversationproject.org/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning
