Directing Your Life
Give a gift to the people who matter most, about what matters most to you.
If you become seriously ill, the people closest to you may be forced to make difficult decisions, unless you make them first. You can share your healthcare wishes— an act of love that can relieve the burden of difficult decision-making from your loved ones. The process of documenting and sharing your wishes is called Advance Care Planning.
Advance Care Planning is an on-going process of planning for health situations such as a medical crisis or end of life care. By discussing and documenting medical preferences, individuals can make plans for the future, take control of their health care, appoint decision-makers, and relieve their family members of the burden of making uncomfortable choices on their behalf.
How Can You Give This Gift?
Follow these four FREE steps:
1. Start the conversation with someone you value and trust.
2. Print the SC Health Care Power of Attorney document or visit SC DHEC.
3. Complete the document in its entirety.
4. Submit the document to your healthcare provider.
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Why talking matters
Sharing your wishes for end-of-life care can bring you closer to the people you love. Consider the facts:
92% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important.
32% have actually done so.
Source: The Conversation Project National Survey (2018)
21% of people say they have not had the conversation because they do not want to upset their loved ones.
53% say they would be relieved if a loved one started the conversation.
95% say they are willing or want to talk about their end-of-life wishes.
Source: The Conversation Project National Survey (2018)
80% of people say that if seriously ill, they would want to talk to their doctor about wishes for medical treatment toward the end of their life.
18% report having had this conversation with their doctor.
Source: Survey of Californians by the California HealthCare Foundation (2012) and Kaiser Family Foundation Serious Illness in Late Life Survey (2017)
97% of people say it’s important to put their wishes in writing.
37% have actually done it.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation Serious Illness in Late Life Survey (2017)