The last stages of life can be an emotional and stressful time for an individual and his or her loved ones.
Having plans in place that outline wishes for end-of-life care, however, can alleviate some of this stress. An advance directive, or living will, helps families and loved ones know what kind of care one prefers as they face the end of their lives. Advance care planning ensures the individual’s treatment choices are respected.
Implemented in November 2016, AtlantiCare’s Advance Care Planning Program focuses on helping individuals make those difficult decisions surrounding end-of-life care, and promoting participation in advance care planning.
The program is currently available at AtlantiCare Physician Group in Brigantine, and at the AtlantiCare Special Care Center and Infectious Disease Clinic, both of which are located in the William L. Gormley AtlantiCare HealthPlex in Atlantic City. AtlantiCare’s Advance Care Planning team also meets with community organizations to discuss advance care planning.
“Advance care planning is an important part of your healthcare, just like exercising and eating well,” says Christeen Cornell, RN, BSN, CCM, program director, AtlantiCare Advance Care Planning. “We encourage everyone to start having the conversation. A common misbelief is that this topic is only for older or very sick people. We recommend anyone over the age of 18 consider having a plan in case of an unexpected event.”
AtlantiCare plans to roll out the program to additional primary care and specialty care locations this summer.
In observance of National Healthcare Decisions Week (April 16-22), Christeen Cornell, RN, BSN, CCM, program director, AtlantiCare Advance Care Planning, will deliver a presentation on advance care planning at the Atlantic City Free Public Library, 1 North Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City, on Thursday, April 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public.
Are you interested in learning more? Starting this month, AtlantiCare will offer Conversations Matter: Advance Care Planning. Certified facilitators will cover topics for the group education classes including how values and beliefs guide your care; the role of a healthcare agent; and the definition and purpose of an advance directive. This class will be free and appropriate for anyone 18 years old and older.
Meetings will take place in the AtlantiCare LifeCenter in the AtlantiCare Health Park Building 200, Suite 223 (Second Floor), in Egg Harbor Township, on the third Wednesday of every month. To register, visit the “Events and Classes” section of AtlantiCare’s website, or call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.
To make an appointment with member of AtlantiCare’s Advance Care Planning Team, or for more information, call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.
For more information, visit AtlantiCare’s Advance Care Planning web page or email advancecareplanning@atlanticare.org.
View or download advance care planning documents here.
For more information about AtlantiCare programs and services, visit www.atlanticare.org, call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000 or find AtlantiCare on Facebook.
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