Advance health planning urgent

Regrettably, many individuals living with serious illness receive medical care that is inconsistent with their values, preferences and goals of care. Consequently, some patients experience unwanted, unnecessary and burdensome health care, leaving the family concerned and confused with regard to medical decision making. Improving care for individuals living with serious illness starts with earlier advance care planning.

Thinking about serious illness and discussing medical preferences can be daunting, but it is important that these conversations happen with those who matter to you. Thankfully there are tools and resources that can assist you as you engage in advance care planning. For example, The Conversation Project is a national initiative dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for health care in the last phase of life. The Conversation Project Starter Kit can be found at www.theconversationproject.org.

Hospice of the Bluegrass is committed to improving care for the seriously ill in our communities and this includes providing education, resources and tools on advance care planning. Learn more at hospicebg.org/advancecareplanning. For specific questions: (800) 876-6005 or education@hospicebg.org.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 7:19 PM with the headline "Advance health planning urgent."