Free Resources Provide Information on How to Make Healthcare Choices Known

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Apr 10, 2015, 11:00 ET

CLEVELAND, April 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hospice of the Western Reserve - along with other national, state and community organizations - is participating in a national campaign running through April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day, to highlight the importance of making personal healthcare choices known. Included in the outreach materials is a free guide, "Courage in Conversation," which includes the actual legal forms required by the State of Ohio, and a simple, easy-to-understand worksheet to assist with evaluating choices. Links to the downloadable "Courage in Conversation" booklet with State of Ohio legal forms and additional resources are available at hospice.org/decisions.

As a participating organization, the nonprofit agency is helping individuals talk about their wishes and communicate their choices by encouraging them to complete their advance directives. An advance directive includes two legal documents: a durable power of attorney for healthcare and a living will. A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows an individual to designate a "proxy," or someone to make medical decisions for them should they become unable to speak for themselves. A living will tells doctors how an individual wants to be treated if he or she becomes permanently unconscious, dying or unable to make decisions about emergency treatment.

Admittedly, thinking about these choices is not easy. "It's human nature to procrastinate and avoid conversations we find difficult," acknowledged Mike Rowe, paramedic and firefighter for the Avon Lake Fire Department in the suburban Greater Cleveland area. "However, it's important to have these wishes documented on the appropriate forms, signed by the physician and have their locations known so they are available to emergency responders and hospital professionals."

Completing advance directives is not equivalent to giving up one's independence. "It's important to know that the healthcare power of attorney does not become effective until a principal is no longer able to make their own healthcare decisions," explained Patricia J. Schraff, an attorney at Schraff and King Co., LPA in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. "Therefore, it is often referred to as a 'springing power of attorney.' It springs into effect only when needed. When it is not needed, the principal makes his or her own decisions."

Having a plan in place that accurately communicates healthcare choices spares families the agony of guessing what their loved one would want, and it also provides individuals with a voice in their own care at the end of life.

Gwen Ellis, a retired Cleveland-area social worker, is the primary caregiver for her husband, Lewis, who developed dementia early – at age 50. "I wish we had completed our advance directives much earlier," she admitted. "If your wishes are not known, or you are hospitalized and not able to make choices, someone needs to make choices for you. There are plenty of workshops and classes available so you can be prepared."

About Hospice of the Western Reserve
Hospice of the Western is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides palliative end-of-life care, caregiver support and bereavement services throughout Northern Ohio. In celebration of the individual worth of each life, Hospice of the Western Reserve strives to relieve suffering, enhance comfort, promote quality of life, foster choice in end-of-life care, and support effective grieving. For more information, visit hospicewr.org or call 800.707.8922.

Media Contact: Laurie Henrichsen, 216-502-4460, [email protected]

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve