Kallie Schultz Board Member | Official Website
Kallie Schultz Board Member | Official Website
Who will speak for you if you can't make your own medical decisions? This question is particularly pressing in states like Wisconsin and Michigan, which are not next-of-kin states, meaning that spouses and other family members are not automatically authorized to make these decisions. To clarify this issue, experts recommend completing an Advance Directive, a document specifying your chosen Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
Julie Barge, Advance Care Planning Coordinator with Aspirus Health, explained, “An Advance Directive allows you to choose who you want to make medical decisions for you if you’re not able to make them for yourself. It also enables you to specify your wishes regarding care facility placement, and the type of treatment you want or don’t want.”
National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16 serves as a reminder to complete or review an Advance Directive. This day highlights the importance of having a designated person who can articulate your medical choices if you're unable to do so, which is considered beneficial even in next-of-kin states like Minnesota.
Barge pointed out the potential pitfalls of not having an Advance Directive: “If you don’t have an Advance Directive that names your Power of Attorney for Healthcare, the case may go to court, which can delay treatment decisions and cost thousands of dollars. In addition, if your loved ones don’t agree on your care plan, it can cause a lot of stress.”
When selecting a health care agent, it is important to consider someone who will honor your wishes, manage stress, and act as a strong advocate. As personal circumstances change, it is advisable to update the directive to align with current preferences and values.
To help with the process, Aspirus offers complimentary assistance with trained facilitators. Barge stated, “We go through the form and answer your questions. We can help you think about scenarios you may not have thought about and discuss what your wishes would be.”
Aspirus provides advance care planning kits at clinics and hospitals. More information and assistance are available at aspirus.org/advance-directives or by contacting the Aspirus Customer Contact Center.
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