MADISON, Wis. –When a medical crisis hits, the emotional toll on a family is heavy enough, but for many, that burden is made heavier by a haunting question: “Is this what they would have wanted?”
In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, UW Health is encouraging Wisconsin residents to consider advance care planning to spare family members and loved ones from the distress of second-guessing medical choices during a crisis.
Advance care planning is the process of thinking ahead about your health care wishes and choosing a trusted person to make decisions for you if you are ever unable to do so yourself, according to Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, geriatrician and inpatient hospitalist at UW Health.
These preferences are documented through a Power of Attorney for Healthcare, a legal document that ensures a person’s voice is heard even when they cannot speak for themselves.
“It’s a conversation we often put off, but it’s the one our families need the most,” said Chapman, who is also a clinical associate professor of medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “When a plan is in place, families can focus on being present with their loved one rather than agonizing over medical decisions or debating ‘what-ifs’ in a waiting room. It makes a big difference.”
A common misconception is that advance care planning is only for the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. However, an unexpected accident or illness can happen at any stage of life, Chapman said.
“Advance care planning is important for adults of all ages and health statuses,” said Parini Tolat, advance care planning program coordinator, UW Health. “It starts with deciding who you trust to speak for you and having open conversations about what matters most.”
UW Health has streamlined the process to make it as low-stress and accessible as possible. Services are available to adults across Wisconsin and are designed to be straightforward and free of charge.
“It can take as little as 10 minutes, but it can provide peace of mind for years to come,” said Mary Arbuckle, advance care planning program coordinator, UW Health. “The goal is for patients to feel informed and prepared, not overwhelmed.”
To help residents take the first step, UW Health offers free, interactive webinars throughout the year. These sessions guide participants through the steps to complete a Wisconsin Power of Attorney for Healthcare and are open to the public, regardless of where they receive medical care. For more information on advance care planning, to download free forms, or to register for an upcoming webinar, visit www.uwhealth.org/acp.
