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Advanced care planning
Advanced care planning involves making decisions about the type of care you would want to receive if future circumstances leave you unable to speak for yourself. The types of decisions you face may be related to medical care, housing, and finances. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, advance care planning can go a long way in easing anxiety for both you and your family.
The process of advance care planning typically involves three major steps:
- Setting Goals of Care: Consider the goals of care, keeping comfort, function and longevity in mind. Then consider treatment options as they relate to these goals.
- Communicating Choices: Be sure that people most likely to be involved in your treatment are aware of the choices. Discuss the rationales behind them to avoid misunderstandings.
- Documenting Choices: Advance directives are commonly used. These involve appointing someone to make medical decisions for you if/when you are no longer able to do so and documenting your wishes so providers and family can make decisions and provide treatment that matches your beliefs and values.
Things to Consider When Planning
Financial Issues. Contact hospital financial counselors, insurance companies and local financial assistance resources.
Housing/Living Arrangements. Consider your current and future needs by planning for increased support services such as long-term care or hospice.
Advance Directives. Consider completing an Advance Directive, Living Will, and/or Durable Power of Health Care. Which one(s) you choose to use will depend on your needs, wants, and the requirements of your individual state.
Legal Issues. Consider completing a Will, Trust, Legal Power of Attorney, or other instrument as needed.
Put Your Affairs in Order. Organize records, documents, insurance policies, and financial documents to ensure family members know how to access information and to ensure your wishes are being met.
Memories. Talk about ways you would like to be remembered and prepare. Creating a journal, photo book, video, memorial service, or other memento can leave behind your personal legacy. As always, you are not alone. There are many resources available to assist you in this process.
Advance care planning is an individual process that can be overwhelming in the best of circumstances. That is why it is important for you and your loved ones to begin such discussions early and continue them throughout life, as values and decisions often change over time.
To learn more about coping with mesothelioma and other serious asbestos cancers, click here.
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