Advanced care planning is deciding what kind of medical care loved ones want if they lose the ability to decide for themselves. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about advanced care planning, which can stop people from participating in this critical process. Having home care on the support team helps clear these myths and create a plan that works for everyone.

Continue reading to learn more about common myths regarding advanced care planning.

Advanced Care Planning Is Only for Older People

Even though advanced care planning is often connected to making plans for the end of life, it is important to remember needing a plan can happen at any age. Anyone can get sick or hurt out of the blue, and having a care plan can help ensure their wishes are carried out.

It’s not easy to talk about, which is one of the biggest reasons it’s not talked about, but taking the time now to have difficult discussions helps families create a clear plan.

Talking with home care aids about options for advanced care planning can help with the confusion that sometimes comes with these discussions.

Advanced Care Planning Requires Giving Up Control

As seniors transition through changes, they also fight to maintain control. Feeling like advanced care planning forces them to give up that control is one reason to quickly avoid it. Advanced care planning is actually the opposite of giving up control.

In fact, it can be the best way to take charge of their medical care. By letting people know what they want ahead of time, seniors ensure they get the treatment they want. Advanced care planning is the best way to ensure their ideals and beliefs are respected even if they cannot say them themselves.

Advanced Care Planning Isn’t Needed Until There Is an Issue

Even though people with significant illnesses are typically the ones to have an advanced care plan, it’s important to remember that anyone can benefit from having one. In fact, people with long-term illnesses or disabilities may receive a sense of relief knowing a plan is in place to address their needs in certain situations.

Planning Happens Once And Never Again

Advanced care planning isn’t a one-and-done type of thing. Changes in care needs happen all the time. It’s essential to look at a loved one’s plan often to make sure it still matches their goals. Although this means having difficult discussions more than once, loved ones will feel better knowing the plan is continuously validated.

People often think of end-of-life care when advanced planning is discussed, but it’s important to remember that it covers much more. Home care support helps with working through the planning stages and assuring seniors are supported. There are also many advanced care planning options within home care, such as palliative care. By planning for medical care, seniors can make sure their wishes are carried out in various medical situations.

Source:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/five-myths-about-advance-care-planning
https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/advance-care-planning/resources/myths-facts

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Ellicott City, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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