Spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings. As thousands of new flowers bloom, it may be time to do spring cleaning, estate planning and taxes, and plan for the future.
If you are looking to take advantage of the vibrant spring energy, Get It Done SB invites you to make plans for one more incredibly important new beginning: your Advance Directive. While others may be giving loved ones flower bouquets this season, this document can be a bouquet that lasts a lifetime.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a document for adults that indicates the types of medical care that you would like to receive if you cannot speak for yourself. It is a legally binding document that remains in effect until your wishes change and you complete a new document.
What you need to complete your Advance Directive “Bouquet”
Daffodils: The courage to start something new
The first step of completing an Advance Directive is simply acknowledging that you may need one in the future. Overcoming fear, hesitation, and procrastination when it comes to end-of-life planning is key to starting a document that truly reflects your wishes and values.
Red Tulips: An understanding of what you value the most
To complete an Advance Directive, you should understand what ideal quality of life means to you. Quality of life means what makes your life worth living, what you want to be able to do every day, and what medical care best fits your current health and beliefs. Your ideal quality of life may change as you age and can be completely different from someone else’s; regardless, understanding what you value most can help you complete your document with ease.
White Chrysanthemums: Honest and compassionate conversations about your decisions
Advance Directives help you select healthcare agents, who are your advocates if you are unable to speak for yourself. Being a healthcare agent is a big responsibility, and it is important to have open conversations with your potential agents to ensure they will carry out your wishes. You should also have conversations with other loved ones so they know where you stand and that you value their opinion. While they may not agree with your decisions, honesty is truly the best policy when doing Advance Care Planning.
Blue Iris: Clear and thoughtfully written decisions
One of the biggest reasons people put off completing an Advance Directive is the medical treatments listed can feel confusing and clinical. But here’s the truth: the most powerful guidance you can give your doctors and your family has nothing to do with clinical terms. It has everything to do with communicating your values clearly and thoughtfully. This can include written statements like:
- “I want to be kept comfortable and pain free.”
- “I want to be kept alive long enough to say goodbye to my loved ones.”
- “I want to be on life support for a trial period to see if I recover.”
Pink Peony: An inspirational gift for your loved ones
When you complete your Advance Directive and share it with your family, you are doing something extraordinary. You are setting an example for your loved ones on how to plan for an uncertain future. Your document gives the people caring for you a compass — and a model – so that every decision they make truly honors you.
Complete an Advance Directive with Us for Free!
Get it Done SB! provides free workshops and one-on-one services in English and Spanish to help people complete and finalize their MyCare or other Advance Directive Forms.
Attend our upcoming free two-part community workshop at Santa Barbara Public Library on April 14th and 21st from 11:00 am-12:30 pm. To RSVP,give us a call at (805)-456-4665 or email CommunityACP@hospiceofsb.org.
For more information on Advance Care Planning, visit www.getitdonesb.org. We also offer the same services in Spanish through our counterpart, Mi Regalo, at www.miregalo.org.
