Plan for end of life treatment

By Lori Benz

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Having choices is an American expectation. We like to exercise control over our everyday lives, often expressed in the numerous choices available to us.

Deciding how much or how little health care you want to receive near the end of life is one of the most important personal choices you can make. It's never too soon to think about these choices because a sudden accident or illness can happen at any age and leave you unable to communicate your care wishes. Yet, many people postpone or avoid the conversations and decisions that can bring peace of mind to you and your family because they don't know how or where to start.

Fortunately, a program in Johnson County helps adults with this decision-making process. Honoring Your Wishes: A Community-Wide Advance Care Planning Initiative uses trained facilitators to begin conversations and start the process of deciding and sharing what medical interventions you do or don't want.

Based on your values and beliefs, an individualized written plan is created that accurately represents your health care wishes.

The process also includes selecting a durable power of attorney for health care to carry out those decisions with your health care providers if you are unable to do so. The plan can be updated if your health or decisions change. Free confidential appointments are available at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, (319) 358-2767, and the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, (319) 356-5220.

Patients of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics may request this service at no cost through their local medical provider.

l Lori Benz is an advisory board member of Honoring Your Wishes: A Community-Wide Advance Care Planning Initiative. Comments or more information: www.honoringyourwishes.org