Sadly, without planning ahead, individuals and their family may not know what to do in the face of a serious accident or diagnosis of a terminal disease. Fortunately, there are resources to help people in making end-of-life wishes heard.
Talking about choices and preferences at the end of life can be difficult. Many people don’t want to think about themselves or a loved one facing declining health or death. Many others don’t know when or where to start or who to ask for help.
The Larimer Advance Care Planning Team (ACP Team) guides adults, 18 years or older, in understanding end-of-life choices and documenting each individual’s preferences to remove the stress and uncertainty.
The ACP Team offers free, one-on-one support in creating advance care plans that represent what’s important to each person by guiding them in:
• Sharing their values and wishes with loved ones
• Putting plans in into writing and sharing them with family members and physician
• Understanding life-sustaining treatments
• Choosing treatment if diagnosed with a life-limiting illness
standing (l-r) Jim Becker,Glenn Good, seated (l-r) Mindy Rickard, Kat Laws, Debbie Mayer
The Larimer Advance Care Planning Team also aids individuals in updating existing plans, notarizing necessary documents and distributing advance care plans to local health agencies.
Approximately a third of Larimer County adults have completed their advance care directives. Only one third of those have discussed their wishes with their health-care providers.
The ACP Team is a collaborative effort, funded by the Colorado Health Foundation, with contributions from the Health District of Northern Larimer County and community partners to engage and support in completing advance care plans at no cost.
Their vision is that advance care planning becomes a natural and expected part of care in our community and that adults feel comfortable discussing their end-of-life wishes, understand their medical care options and express their values with their loved ones and medical providers, ensuring that medical directives are available when they are needed. To schedule an appointment call (970) 482-1909 or visit www.larimeradvancecare.org for more information.