The COVID-19 health crisis has brought major changes to our lives—sheltering in place, physical distancing, new routines. But this time also gives us the opportunity to start meaningful conversations with our loved ones and other important people in our lives about what matters most to each of us. We can prepare ahead of any crisis by developing an advance care plan, communicating our healthcare wishes, and completing our documentation. It may be more important now than ever.
We are all concerned about receiving the medical care we need and want. What happens if you are no longer able to make health care decisions on your own behalf? New York State allows you to to name an individual (as well as an alternate) whom you trust to advocate and make decisions on your behalf and to document this information in a New York State Healthcare Proxy.
Through a program called WHAT MATTERS, our congregation has a number of trained facilitators who can help you:
Watch the video recording of the town hall below, or listen to the (audio-only) podcast.
The Time for “The Talk” is Now
By Laura Schellenberg Johnson, M.D.. The New York Times, 19 May 2020.
Do You Want to Die in an I.C.U.? Pandemic Makes Question All Too Real
By Paula Span. The New York Times, 24 April 2020.
CPR, by Default
By Paula Span, The New York Times, 31 January 2020.
More Americans Are Dying at Home Than in Hospitals
By Gina Kolata, The New York Times, 11 December 2019.
Get Your Digital Accounts Ready In Case of Death
By Melanie Pinola, The New York Times, 3 October 2019.