Have You Done Yours?

If a sudden accident or illness leaves you unable to speak or make your own decisions about the health care you would want, do you have someone who would know what you want and voice those decisions for you?

You probably know from your doctor that you should have an advance care plan in the form of a written document called an "Advance Directive." You may even have a blank form lying somewhere on your desk or kitchen counter.

But did you know there is a free service in Windham County that can help with the advance care planning process? Taking Steps Brattleboro has trained volunteer facilitators who not only help you fill out the form, but also help you think about what guidance you want to convey and how to express your wishes clearly. Taking Steps has meeting rooms at the Brattleboro Area Hospice building on Canal Street, but the volunteers can meet with you at your home if that's more convenient. Every facilitation is different, but it usually takes one or two meetings of one to two hours each.

Although the ultimate product is a written document, the heart of the process is a conversation in which the facilitator elicits information ranging from your past experiences with death to what you love most about life. The goal is to glean guiding principles that might be helpful to your substitute decision maker (also called your "agent"), as well as guidance about what activities and abilities you consider crucial to an acceptable quality of life. The form includes some specific wishes regarding particular treatments in particular scenarios; but the more general guidance can help your agent fill in the gaps, or decide which side to err on in the face of uncertainties. If you haven't already decided on your agent, the facilitator can also help you think about who your agent might be. (Having a primary agent and a back-up agent is recommended, but having co-agents is not.) If your chosen agent can come with you to the facilitation meeting, their presence will strengthen their understanding of your desires. If they are not able to be present, an essential part of the process will be to have a conversation with them (and your back-up agent) to go over the document in detail and make sure they understand it fully. It may be helpful to discuss it with other loved ones as well, to make things easier for your agent when the time comes.

Once you are satisfied with your directive, the facilitator will arrange for you to sign it with two witnesses. The facilitator can also help with making the necessary copies and getting your advance directive registered. Vermont is one of the few states that provide free registration of advance directives. You will receive stickers to go on your drivers' license and health insurance cards, and any health care provider in the country can call the registry and access your directive. The registry will also remind you every few years that it is time to reconsider your wishes and update your directive if necessary.

So call Don Freeman at Taking Steps Brattleboro, 257-0775, ext 101, to make an appointment and check this one off your list. It always seems too soon, until it's too late.