By Edward J. Holland
In the wake of the Terri Schiavo tragedy in March, 2005, no doubt many of us thought or spoke these words. Regardless of one’s position about “right to die” or “right to live” issues, I suspect most of us would never want “that to happen to me” or those we love.
While not a panacea, a health care directive (HCD) can help to insure that our choices at the end of life are honored. Advance care planning (ACP) can make a difference. Each of us has a right (and I’d argue, a responsibility) to make decisions and express our wishes about our health care options, including end of life care. And, we have a right to select a surrogate decision maker (agent) who can make health care decisions on our behalf when we’re unable and/or unwilling to decide for ourselves.
In Minnesota what many still call a “living will” is now correctly and legally known as a “health care directive” (HCD), a written document which gives each of us the opportunity to select a health care “agent” (surrogate decision maker) or agents and to give instructions about the care we want and/or don’t want if we’re incapacitated.
ore you prepare to revise your directive, you should discuss your health care wishes with your physician(s), your agent(s) and other important people in your life. Copies of your HCD should be readily accessible and given to your health care provider(s), your agent(s), family members, and other important people, such as your attorney, spiritual advisor, etc.
Although most of us believe that completing a HCD is a good idea, it’s estimated that fewer than 20% of us have actually completed a document. Reasons for this vary but often have something to do with, “I’d rather not think about it.” And, we all know what that “it” is. At the same time, ironically, most of us “don’t ever want that to happen to me!” when we hear about someone like Terri Schiavo.
Though important, talking isn’t enough. Put your words into action. Complete your health care directive. It’s a gift of love for those you love.
Edward J. Holland is a Chaplain and Coordinator of Hospice Spiritual Care and Grief Support, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice.
