For National Healthcare Decisions Day, I always return to a few favorite resources. I love all the videos on the Conversation Ready NTX “Videos & More” page. The Don’t Panic poem really hits home for me, and the short Diane Sawyer clip is powerful and relatable.

I also recommend Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. I have read it more than once, and each time it resonated differently depending on where I was in my own caregiving journey.

And of course, The Conversation Starter Guide is a must. It can be downloaded, printed, or emailed, and it is incredibly helpful whether you are having your first conversation or your tenth.

For National Healthcare Decisions Day in 2022, we created several great videos. Take a look, they are still great.

I like this resource because it is comprehensive, written in plain language, and include links to other resources.  A checklist can make these steps feel more manageable. National Institute on Aging Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist:  Documents to Prepare for the Future

This download is long but comprehensive.  It includes much of the same information as The Conversation Project Workbooks and Guides but all in one download.  It includes many “One Family’s Story” segments that illustrate each topic.  There are also helpful worksheets provided. National Institute on Aging Advance Care Planning: A Conversation Guide

This tool kit has helpful tools to help you choose a Health Care Agent, identify your goals, priorities, and a quiz to give your Agent to see how well you have communicated your wishes to them. American Bar Association: Health Care Decision-Making Tool Kit

This helpful search engine can identify attorneys that have earned the Certified Elder Law Attorney designation, and therefore have the knowledge and experience necessary to advise clients on issues ranging from avoiding guardianship to Medicaid qualification. National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: Find a Lawyer

These are the resources I like:

 A simple Beneficiary Checklist provides peace of mind by helping ensure nothing is overlooked after losing a loved one. Beneficiary Checklist

Long-term care expenses vary based on geographic location and the type of care needed. This tool can help you estimate the cost of care for you or your loved ones’ unique needs. Long Term Care Insurance Costs by State and Region | New York Life

This website has great resources for families about Long-Term Care and LTC Insurance and offers information for professionals interested in getting the CLTC® designation. Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC®)

I appreciate that Five Wishes is a thoughtful, fill-in-the-blank tool. In Texas, an additional step is required to make it legally binding, though the organization does not clearly outline what that step is. Even so, the document itself is very useful and may still serve a legal purpose in some capacity.

Five Wishes

Five-wishes-sample

Here are my favorite resources - 

This guide helped informed me and my siblings about the conversations and considerations during our Dad's Alzheimer's journey. From preparing for the talk, to having the talk, it is all laid out in an easy to follow way to ensure all things are considered for your loved one. CONVERSATION STARTER GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S OR OTHER FORMS OF DEMENTIAS

 This document is very easy-to-use and follow, allowing adults, and adult children, to consider and document how they want to be cared for at the end of life. It helps to address your personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes. Very user-friendly. Five Wishes Home Page

For individuals or their family members looking for guidance, programs, resources in the community follow a dementia diagnosis:

Center for Brain Health Resource Guide to Proactive Steps (GPS)  to take after a diagnosis of dementia. They have an online guide for finding resources in the DFW including early stage support groups, respite/activity programs, professionals to help family members and most programs in the area. It is updated regularly. Center for Brain Health GPS

For anyone considering donating their body to science: 

UTSW Willed Body Program for individuals wanting to donate their body for medical research. This is a reputable, and much needed program to enable individuals to help make a difference in medical science. My mother chose this option, and they were very good to work with. There is no cost involved.  As soon as my mother was imminent, I contacted them and was told to call as soon as she died. Within an hour, they were there, were respectful and kind, asking if we wanted more time with her, and then carefully took her when we were ready. The cremains were ready in about 6 months and we received a medical report of their findings, as well as personal notes thanking us from the medical students. My mother had a rare type of cancer and felt good about helping scientists learn more about it. 

Anyone over age 18 can sign up to be a member of the Willed Body Program and can call them at 214-648-2221 to request a membership form. Certain diagnoses are not accepted such as contagious diseases. A family/guardian can arrange to  donate a body as a donor agent. 

https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/research/programs/willed-body

Aging Life Care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to planning with and caring for aging adults, dependent adults, or others facing ongoing health or disability challenges. As experts in aging well®, Aging Life Care Managers® help older adults navigate the challenges of aging and make positive, informed decisions and plans. Their guidance leads people to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for themselves or those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, and time off of work for family caregivers through:

Assessment and monitoring, planning and problem-solving, education and advocacy, and family caregiver coaching. Aginglifecare.org