Take time this Spring and plan for your future! April 9th through 16th is Vermont Advanced Directive Week. This annual week is a reminder to have a plan in place for our health should we not be able to advocate for our own health care decisions.
- 90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important but only 27% have actually done so.
- 82% of people say it is important to put their wishes in writing, 23% have actually done so.
Sources: Conversation Project National Survey (2013) and Survey of Californians by the California Health Care Foundation (2012).
“Now is always the best time to plan and create your Advanced Directive,” shared Erin Roelke, Director of Care & Service Coordination at Age Well. “It is difficult to predict health situations you may have in the future, but when you have an Advanced Directives your wishes can be honored. The team at Age Well can help you understand your options, register your Advanced Directives, and more.”
Age Well’s staff members can help you understand how to create an Advanced Directive and register it with the Vermont Advance Directive Registry (VADR). The VADR is a secure online database that is part of the national US Living Will Registry. Registering a copy of your advance directive allows authorized health care facilities and providers quick access when it is most needed. There Is no fee for registering your advance directive.
To learn more about Advance Directives check out Vermont Ethics Network, find a form, or call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Information adapted from Vermont Ethics Network.
