Have you made a decision about making a decision?

Less than 27 percent of people have an advance directive, a care plan that addresses what you would like to happen in a medical situation should you be unable to speak for yourself. Take a moment a fill out an advance directive for yourself!

In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, which was April 16, the Palliative Care team at Jefferson would like to remind everyone about the importance of advance directives (ADS). Also known as an advance care planning, ADS come in two main forms:

  • A “healthcare power of attorney” (or “proxy” or “agent” or “surrogate”) documents the person you select to be your voice for your healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.
  • A “living will” documents what kinds of medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life.

Advance directives ensure that your wishes will be carried out if you are ever unable to make a decision on your own. However, a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that less than 27 percent of the population has an advance directive.

Take a moment to reflect upon what decisions you would make. Be sure to tell a loved one or keep a copy with you. Learn more about additional public resources.

The Palliative Care Service team consists of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and nutritionists who are specially trained to offer expert advice in a variety of areas. Some of the services that Jefferson provides are pain and symptom management, emotional support, and assistance with decision making.

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