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Covid 19 has led to FEAR and continual talk about death! WHY?
If you need to be admitted to the hospital, most times it means there is something seriously wrong going on. There are things you should do to prepare - if you didn't do them before - and the crisis made it seem more relevant.
No matter what the reason is that you have to go to the hospital, it is a prudent idea to create a "to go" bag of articles that you will need and want during your stay. That "bag" should include a list of medications, important phone numbers and names, your cell phone and charger, personal supplies, and an advance directive (in case you can't speak for yourself) or something acting like one.
The difference during this Coronavirus pandemic is that most patients cannot have anyone with them in the hospital. That is true for patients being admitted with or without the COVID-19 label. That makes doing an advance care directive event more important.
There are free online sources to complete such a document - which can be signed by witnesses (this varies a bit state by state) using social distancing. One easy to follow site is found on UCSF's website www.prepareforyourcare.org. The free site has the legally acceptable form in English and Spanish available for every state.
The critical part of completing this form - and remembering to bring it with you - is telling both your doctors/nurses AND people you love that you have such a form. Make sure they understand that you completed the form without any pressure so that it truly represents your deep dark wishes. Be sure that the main individual you name to speak for you is someone you know will not waiver. It is not always best to name your partner as they may be too emotional. Select someone who you know you can trust in this emotional setting.
Often a family member will think they are helping by trying to object - if their own view differs from yours. However, if you have it in writing AND have told several people of your wishes, the one dissenting individual will not have THE voice. In this scary, unknown pandemic scenario, there is a belief highlighted by much media, that a ventilator is a panacea. That being said, there are major risks that come with the use of that, for example. You may not want to endure such risks. It is your choice.
Hopefully, you will not succumb to COVID 19 or even require hospitalization from it, but having an advance directive with you at all times and updating it for different scenarios is a very important ingredient. Let's all use this time to recognize the importance of pre-planning our death - so that we can free our minds to live life the best we can!
We are all going to die. We don't know when. Being prepared is the mature helpful thing to do - for you, your medical team, and your loved ones.
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We have countless jokes online and in person about nonstop phone calls at all hours begging you to extend your car warranty - even when you don't own a car! But we don't talk about death. AND we all have death in common!
Upon death, even if your legal paperwork is completed will there be problems? Tell others about your wishes. Make changes as often as you want but be sure your loved ones know. Problems arise when loved ones disagree. Money can do that to wills.
You don't have to discuss death daily. Yet you need to face that we all will die. Give yourself a rest sometimes but remember that each day is precious.