Have you made your wishes known?

In support of National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on April 16, Kaiser Permanente is joining community, state and national organizations in a coordinated effort to highlight the importance of letting families know about your own health care decisions and wishes in advance. 

As a participating organization, Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center will host a “Wish Booth” on the medical center campus on Wednesday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and health care providers.  To assist individuals completing written advance directives (health care power of attorney and living will) in accordance with California state laws, notary services will be available for only $10 per person (a government issued form of identification is required).  Physicians and staff from Kaiser Permanente South Bay’s Life Care Planning Team will also be on hand to answer questions. 

“All adults should consider their health care choices in advance, and talk about their wishes with their loved ones,” said Craig Nelson, director of Medical Bioethics at Kaiser Permanente’s South Bay Medical Center.  “Planning ahead ensures that the patient's autonomy is respected, and having these documents in place can prevent further stress on family members.” 

What is an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD)? 
·        An AHCD is a way to make your health care wishes known if you are unable to speak for yourself due to illness or injury. 
·        An AHCD can serve one or both of these functions: 
o        Power of Attorney for Health Care (to appoint an agent) 
o        Instructions for Health Care (to indicate your wishes) 

Advance Health Care Directive forms and a helpful instruction kit can be downloaded from kp.org in English and Spanish.