Why Completing a Health Care Directive Is One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give

As a cancer nurse, I often cared for patients who had not completed a Health Care Directive. When they could no longer make decisions for themselves, their loved ones were left to make incredibly difficult choices.

Many families struggled to say no to treatments offered by healthcare providers, even when they weren't sure if that's what their loved one would have wanted. Some shared that they feared they would always wonder: What if that treatment could have helped?

As a nurse, I often wondered: Would my patient have chosen this treatment if they could have spoken for themselves?

A Simple Way to Show Love and Support

Completing a Health Care Directive is truly a gift. It:

• Helps ensure your wishes are honored
• Takes the burden of decision-making off your loved ones
• Gives your family peace of mind during difficult moments

When your wishes are clearly documented, your loved ones don't have to guess—they know. This is why a Health Care Directive matters.

My Personal Experience

After 28 years as a cancer nurse, I have seen firsthand how important these conversations are. But when I retired, I realized I hadn't completed my own Health Care Directive.

I went to the Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud, where facilitators helped guide me through the process. Even with my background, it wasn't easy. Thinking about a time when I might not be able to make my own decisions felt uncomfortable and even a little scary.

But I'm so grateful I did it, and grateful for the support I received from the facilitators at Whitney Senior Center.

Why I Volunteer

Today, I volunteer to help others complete their Health Care Directives because I know the difference it makes.

I've also met individuals who choose to complete a directive because of their previous experience with someone they love, and they want to make sure their own wishes are clearly known.

Take the First Step

You don't have to do it alone. Having guidance can make the process easier and less overwhelming.

If you need help filling out your health care directive, free educational sessions are offered in-person at Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud at 11 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays each month.

You can also call 320-240-3294 to speak to a CentraCare Advance Care Planning Facilitator or to schedule a free appointment in person, via phone or video.