Keeping “The Conversation” Going
The Conversation Project is a public engagement initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and has a goal that is both simple and transformative: to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through end of life, so that those wishes can be understood and respected. On April 16, 2022, Healthcare Decisions Day was observed nationally in support of The Conversation Project and their ongoing efforts to end the stigma around end-of-life planning.
Data from The Conversation Project National Survey, 2018 showed that “while 92% of Americans say it’s important to discuss their wishes for end-of-life care, only 32% have had such a conversation.” This is a striking disconnect but, sadly, this is not shocking to any of us providers that work in the elder care space. We have good intentions but there is still so much work to be done before we reach a point where seniors and their families voluntarily have these conversations and start planning in advance and not waiting for crisis to strike before they take action!
In her own words, Ellen Goodman, the Co-Founder and Director, compellingly explained that “The Conversation Project emphasizes having a conversation on values- what matters to you, not what’s the matter with you.” As professionals in the elder care and healthcare spaces, it is critically important that we approach these sensitive conversations with clients and family members alike with the same mindset. The Conversation Project has released a fabulous tool that we all can benefit from incorporating in our daily interactions with our clients- the “What Matters To Me Workbook.”
Here at ABC Home Healthcare Professionals we are committed to life at home and are passionate about delivering the best possible at-home care services that can afford seniors the opportunity to remain in their communities and living safely and independently in their homes for as long as possible- including helping to limit the number of costly re-hospitalizations. Seniors have worked hard their entire lives and their post-retirement years should be their “golden years.” However, this can only be possible with proper planning and execution. A proper plan is multi-faceted and requires the expertise of all of you- our valued Elder Law Attorneys, Estate Planners, Trust and Financial Advisors, Geriatric Care Managers, Medical Care Teams and more!
So, while you’re spring cleaning and reviewing policies, estate plans and care with your elderly clients, keep in mind a collaborative action plan with an objective and clear strategy that could line up with their needs and desires. None of us can do this alone and this is why we are excited to work with each of you to help improve the quality of life of seniors in our communities and beyond! Consider ABC as an integral part of your client’s care and as your most trusted partner in home care.
