Advance Care Planning: A Gift of Clarity and Peace for Your Loved Ones

March 31, 2025|Articles from the Field, Celebrating 10 Years of PCNOW|

Lasting Memories of Advance Care Planning
Submitted by Bobbie Thompson, Executive Director of
Fox Valley Advance Care Planning Partnership

Linda’s 5 kids all had different perspectives. In fact, there were plenty of things that they didn’t agree on. If emotions rise, the topic could easily change from a discussion to a disagreement. They lived in 5 different places in the U.S., and Linda loved them all deeply.
Linda completed her Advance Directive for Healthcare so they would all have her personalized wishes in writing and in her own words. She shared how to handle healthcare if ever she was not able to make decisions for herself. In the personal comments, Linda wrote, “Mom said so!”.

She had a calm about telling them her wishes and planning ahead with her doctor. She asked each of her kids to honor her in this way.
What she didn’t fully anticipate was the gift her Advance Directive/POA turned out to be when she lost her ability to make choices about her health care. Her 5 kids, with all their different views on life, pulled together.

They gathered, in person and even virtually, to give the same clear message to Linda’s doctor and health team. There wasn’t anyone who wanted to argue. The potential for conflict, extended grief, and unwanted treatments was minimal. It wasn’t perfect, but one daughter said, “This is probably the first time we’ve made a decision this unified. It’s a very special feeling.”
After Linda passed, her kids still had differing views. They each returned to their home states. But their memories would always hold a clear message and unity that “when Mom says so, you do it that way”.

Click this Link for NHDD webpage and workshops

Benjamin Franklin said ‘There are only two things in life that are certain. Death and taxes.’ Taxes are due on April 15th yearly. In an effort to be prepared for unexpected accidents and serious illness, April 16th is reserved for National Healthcare Decision Day. Fox Valley Advance Care Planning Partnership offers something for everyone for National Healthcare Decision Day this April.

What’s the Big Deal with Advance Directives?

Be in control with a personalized plan written down and shared.
It only goes into effect when you can’t express your wishes. Life has a way of surprising us.
The unexpected is easier to handle when we have some idea of what matters most.
In Wisconsin, anyone 18 or older needs an Advance Directive for health care. This decision-making power does NOT automatically transfer to a spouse or family. Who would you want?
Avoid unwanted delays, expenses, and confusion. Make a plan now. It’s a Big Deal.