Get Your Ducks in a Row
Living in a remote mountain valley comes with just as many challenges as awe-inspiring moments. One of those challenges is access to medical care, particularly urgent or specialty care, but often older adults find themselves traveling hours to get the routine care that they need. That’s why having a plan is important!
Methow At Home volunteers and staff have witnessed many families navigating a health challenge from a position of crisis instead of empowerment because planning and preparation wasn’t in place. This is why it’s important to consider your healthcare decisions long before you actually see them move into action. One of the most empowering steps you can take for yourself and your loved ones is creating an advanced care plan. Far from being morbid or pessimistic, this is about honoring your voice, your values, and your vision for the future.
What Is Advanced Care Planning?
Aging comes with its share of wisdom, experience, and yes—important decisions to make. Advanced care planning is one of those big decisions that can feel daunting to begin. If you’re unfamiliar with advanced care planning, it is simply the process of thinking about and documenting the kind of medical care you'd want if you became unable to communicate your wishes. It's about maintaining control over your healthcare decisions, even in circumstances when you can't speak for yourself.
Think of it as writing the final chapters of your story on your own terms—ensuring that the values you've lived by continue to guide the care you receive.
Why This Matters Now
Medical technology has given us remarkable options for extending and improving life. But with these options comes complexity. Advanced care planning ensures that the healthcare you receive aligns with what truly matters to you—whether that's fighting for every possible treatment option, prioritizing comfort and quality of life, or something in between.
When you create an advanced care plan, you're giving your family an incredible gift. Instead of having to guess what you'd want during an already stressful time, they'll have clear guidance. This can lift an enormous burden from their shoulders and prevent potential conflicts, regrets and stress.
You're the Expert on Your Life
No one knows better than you what makes your life meaningful. Maybe it's independence, being surrounded by family, staying mentally sharp, or avoiding prolonged suffering. Advanced care planning lets you articulate these priorities so that medical decisions reflect your personal definition of quality of life. You're actively participating in your healthcare journey rather than letting circumstances decide for you.
Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think
Many people put off advanced care planning because they think it's complicated or uncomfortable. The truth is, you can start small and build from there:
Begin by having informal conversations with your loved ones about your values and preferences.
Consider what matters most to you about how you live, not just how long you live.
Speak with your doctor about your health conditions and likely future scenarios—they can help you make informed choices.
Complete formal documents like a living will and healthcare power of attorney, which give legal weight to your wishes.
Whether you're in your sixties and in excellent health or facing serious health challenges, now is the right time. It’s important to remember that your plan isn't set in stone—you can revise it as your health, circumstances, or priorities change. What's important is having something in place rather than nothing at all.
A Conversation Worth Having
Yes, talking about end-of-life care can feel uncomfortable at first. But many people find these conversations deepening and meaningful once they begin. You're sharing what you value most in life with the people who care about you most. That's profound.
Consider bringing it up naturally: "I've been thinking about my healthcare wishes and I'd like to share them with you." You might be surprised how relieved your family members are to have this discussion.
Advanced care planning is ultimately an act of love—for yourself and for those who will care for you. It's about ensuring that your voice remains heard, your dignity remains intact, and your wishes remain respected, no matter what the future holds.
You've spent a lifetime making decisions and shaping your path. Advanced care planning is simply continuing that pattern of self-determination into whatever lies ahead. That's not something to fear—it's something to embrace.
Take that first step today. Your future self, and your loved ones, will thank you for it.
Get Your Ducks in a Row
Join us on April 16 for a presentation that will give you guidance on where to start planning and how to have conversations with those close to you about what quality of life means to you. We’ll start the evening with delicious soup and time to say hi to your neighbors. All participants will leave with an End-of-life Planning Checklist & essential documents.
This event is sponsored by: Methow At Home, Methow Valley Elder Care Coordination Network, Room One & Know Wishes. This event is funded by The Methow Valley Elder Care Coordination Network, a Network Development Grant awarded by the Health Resource & Service Administration (HRSA) as part of an award totaling $300,000 with 0% financed with non-governmental funds. To learn more about HRSA funding go to HRSA.gov.