St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD).
As participating organizations, St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, are providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with North Carolina and South Carolina state laws.  These resources are available at www.saintlukeshospital.com, www.hocf.net  or www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.
Education is a key part of advance care planning. Gaining understanding of a serious illness will give guidance about important decisions that may be faced.
Thinking about health care choices along with personal values and beliefs also give guidance for making decisions. These are personal decisions with no right or wrong choices.
Conversations with loved ones are a key element in communicating decisions about health care. There could be a time when you are unable to make decisions, and choices would be in the hands of your family. When conversations have taken place, they provide guidance that direct care decisions. Advance care planning is a gift, to yourself and to your family.
Recording the plan is a necessary component of this process. The Health Care Power of Attorney legally appoints a representative to make health care decisions if (and only if) you are unable to communicate wishes. These documents are important for everyone as a sudden crisis could occur at any time.
Continuing the process is critical to your advance care planning. Decisions may change over time as your health changes. Life events may also change your point of view on health care decisions.
Advance care planning is a process, not an event. Start the conversation with your family and friends today.
Advanced care planning kits are available at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Columbus, Hospice House in Landrum, St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Luke’s Thrift Shop, area physicians’ offices and churches. These kits are free and are a wonderful tool in getting your advanced care planning conversations started.
For more information about National Healthcare Decisions Day, call 864-457-9122 or 828-894-2408.
– article submitted
by Jennifer Wilson