Your Voice, Your Healthcare Decisions | Understanding Advance Care Planning

What would happen if you suddenly could no longer speak for yourself or make your own healthcare decisions? In this important Resource4Care conversation, Tonya Wales, Executive Administrator of Baptist Trinity Hospice, shares 25 years of experience in hospice and long-term care and explains why advance care planning is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. Using a realistic family scenario, Tonya shows how quickly fear, grief, guilt and differing opinions can complicate healthcare decisions when a loved one hasn’t documented their wishes. She walks through the Tennessee Advance Directive for Health Care, explaining how it can help you: • Identify who you trust to make healthcare decisions for you • Communicate what quality of life means to you • Document your wishes regarding medical treatment • Provide guidance about end-of-life care • Identify a primary and alternate healthcare decision-maker • Share your wishes with your family and healthcare providers • Keep the appropriate copies where they can be found when needed Tonya also explains important details about the Tennessee form, including witness requirements, notarization, updating your wishes, and where to keep and share your completed directive. The most important message: Don’t make your family guess what you would have wanted. Advance care planning isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making your voice heard while you are healthy and able to make your own decisions, so your loved ones can focus on honoring your wishes rather than trying to figure them out during a crisis. Tonya also points viewers to Tennessee.gov for the state’s advance healthcare decision-making forms and resources. Resource4Care — Education • Empowerment • Peace of Mind This video is for educational purposes and is not legal or medical advice. Requirements can change, so consult the appropriate professional or current Tennessee resources regarding your individual circumstances.