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| Project GRACE Exec. Dir. Tracy Christner |
Suncoast Hospice and our affiliate Project GRACE join in recognizing National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16. This day is an important reminder to us all to communicate and document the medical care we would want or not want if we could no longer speak for ourselves because of a life-limiting illness or injury.
Project GRACE’s staff and trained facilitators are available throughout Tampa Bay to assist with advance care planning. Tracy Christner, Project GRACE executive director, encourages everyone to discuss and plan their healthcare wishes with their families and healthcare providers so their wishes may be honored.
Here Tracy answers a few frequently asked questions about advance care planning and Project GRACE’s services:
Q: What is advance care planning and how long does the process take?
A: Advance care planning is a thoughtful process of planning for future medical care. It involves education, reflection, communication and documentation. The process is different for each individual and how long it takes depends on your specific situation. Some individuals may be able to sit down with their loved ones and begin a dialogue and others may need some guidance. Studies show that families who engage in the advance care planning process have less stress, confusion and guilt about their decisions.
Project GRACE can provide tools and educational resources to guide individuals through the process. We also have more than 100 trained facilitators in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to help families facilitate these important conversations. The Project GRACE website, www.projectgrace.org, is a good place to start for current information, news articles and easy-to-download living wills in English and Spanish.
Q: What are advance directives?
A: Advance care planning terminology can vary from state to state and among various healthcare organizations. In the state of Florida, an advance directive is defined as a written or oral statement that allows you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. Many documents are considered advance directives: for example, living wills, designation of healthcare surrogate, medical durable power of attorney and organ/tissue donation.
The most important advance directive is the designation of healthcare surrogate. This document allows you to name another person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. You want to be sure your healthcare surrogate is easily accessible and a person who you can count on to honor and communicate your personal wishes even if they do not agree with them. Most people choose a relative or friend who knows them best.
Q: What are some ways to bring up the subject of advance care planning with family members or friends?
A: Open and honest conversation with family and friends about your values, spiritual beliefs and hopes and fears about the final stages of your life are the best way to begin. Some conversation starters include newspaper and magazine articles, movies, the recent death of a loved one or well-known person, sermons, television shows or recent medical check-ups.
Have you made your healthcare wishes known? Contact Project GRACE at 727-536-7364 to help you get started.
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