It’s estimated that only about one-third of American adults have completed a living will, healthcare power of attorney, or both. The numbers are similar whether an individual has a chronic illness or is healthy (Yadav et al, 2017). The reasons these numbers are low are not hard to imagine—discomfort with thinking about end of life; …
What Matters Most: Reframing the Advance Care Planning Conversation Read More »
There is substantial research indicating lower rates of advance directives (ADVs) completion in Hispanic and Black communities. Various factors contribute to these lower rates, including cultural beliefs, mistrust, lack of awareness, religious views, family dynamics, and communication barriers. When engaging in conversations about advanced care planning with patients and family members from historically marginalized communities, …
Cultural Awareness in Advance Directive Discussions Read More »
A cancer diagnosis often brings feelings of fear, anxiety, and a sense of losing control. For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), these emotions are intensified by the many uncertainties in their lives. Between work, school, employment, friendships, romantic relationships, and all the complex changes that arise during early adulthood, a cancer diagnosis can further compound …
Empowering Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) through Advanced Care Planning Read More »
Three simple words can forever change your life. They have the ability to shift your focus to what truly matters. Those three words, “You have cancer,” have a distinct way of dividing your life into two halves, BC – before cancer and AD – after diagnosis.
Advance care planning – the term sounds preparatory, informed and organized. In actuality, the creation of an advance directive or plans for a future in which you may need help making decisions or caring for yourself can be anxiety-provoking and fear-based, offering significant fodder for procrastination. We could reason that anyone reaching the age of …