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Choosing life saving measures in advance saves heartacheMany people assume that death and dying is a process over which they have no control. While it’s true that death is ultimately unavoidable, there is a way to have a say in your last moments. Creating an advance directive gives individuals the opportunity to direct your physician on the measures that should or should not be taken to prolong your life. “It’s the one way to have some say and control when your life is nearing its end,” said Laurie Austvold, RN and Care Management Specialist at New Ulm Medical Center. “At the end of life’s journey there are a lot of things that can be done, to you and for you. And you have to think about what you want done and the consequences that come with every decision.” Some of the items people can chose to highlight with the directive are their thoughts and feelings on assigning a health care agent or someone to speak on their behalf; courses of action they want taken if they were unable to make decisions and had a reasonable chance of recovery, were permanently unconscious or dying; pain relief; extended care facilities; organ donation and interment. In light of the Terri Schiavo case, in which her family was involved in a lengthy legal battle over whether or not her feeding tube should be removed, many people have called the New Ulm Medical Center to ask about creating their own advance directive, Austvold said. Anyone over the age of 18 can have an advance directive and the earlier in life one is established, the better. “The point is an unexpected injury or illness can happen to any one of us at any time,” Austvold said. Simply having a conversation with your family about what life saving measures you would like to be taken goes a long way if something should even happen where you are not able so speak for yourself. “I always tell people that it’s the discussion with your family that is most important and the advance directive is a fantastic tool to help your family remember what was important to you,” Austvold said. “You want to have someone appointed as the decision-maker, someone you trust to carry your decisions though – sometimes that’s a family member, sometimes that’s not.” While an advance directive is never forced on any patient or family, Austvold said she encourages people to talk about it with family members and think critically about their choices. “Then, take that step to actually write it all down,” Austvold added. To assist patients and families with writing an advance directive, New Ulm Medical Center makes a simple form available. Completing the form helps to think through the issues, answering many questions about what care is desired. A copy of the completed form is then included with the patient’s medical record and can be shared with family and legal representatives. An advance directive can be changed or updated at any time. An advance directive form can be accessed on-line at the medical center website www.newulmmedicalcenter.com and printed out to be completed at home. Patients may also contact the Discharge Planning department at the medical center to make an appointment to discuss their advance directive or have a form mailed to them. Advance directives are also available from any other hospital, clinic or health care agency. “I think putting your thoughts in writing is an act of caring,” Austvold said. “If the moment ever comes when your family or children have to speak for you, it’s a beautiful gift for them to know they are doing exactly as you would have wanted.”  Back to Health Edition |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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