Advance Care Planning in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for many families, highlighting how quickly medical crises can arise — and how critical it is to have a plan in place. Although vaccines, treatments, and public health measures have dramatically improved outcomes, COVID-19 continues to pose health risks. Many people are still experiencing long COVID symptoms, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, neurological conditions, fatigue, and mental health challenges.

In today’s world, advance care planning is no longer optional — it’s essential. These documents ensure your medical wishes are respected and that the right person is empowered to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

What Is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment and appoints a decision-maker (or surrogate) if you cannot speak for yourself. There are three main components:

• Health Care Proxy (or Health Care Agent): Designates someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Grants authority to act on your behalf regarding medical and, in some cases, financial matters related to your care.
• Living Will: Specifies your treatment preferences, including pain relief, resuscitation (CPR), ventilator use, hydration, and artificial feeding.

Why Advance Directives Matter More Than Ever

During the pandemic, many patients were hospitalized alone due to visitor restrictions, leaving families struggling to make decisions remotely. A well-prepared advance directive can:

• Authorize remote communication: Ensure your surrogate can use telehealth tools, email, and phone calls to communicate with doctors if in-person visits are restricted.
• Clarify your wishes for critical care: Specify preferences regarding ventilators, intubation, and resuscitation, which were often at the heart of difficult decisions during COVID-19 surges.
• Reduce family stress: Provide clear instructions so loved ones are not left guessing about what you would want.

Updating or Creating Your Advance Directive

If you already have an advance directive, now is a good time to review it to ensure it reflects your current wishes. Consider:

• Adding remote communication clauses for future public health emergencies.
• Updating your chosen health care proxy or agent if circumstances have changed.
• Being explicit about your preferences for end-of-life care, including treatment limits and comfort measures.

If you do not yet have an advance directive, it’s never too late to start. Having one in place offers peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

We Can Help

Our team can help you:

• Review an existing advance directive to ensure it is up to date.
• Draft a new directive tailored to your wishes.
• Guide you through selecting a health care proxy and documenting your decisions clearly.

📞 Call us today at (207) 848-5600 or visit our CONTACT page to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you create a plan that protects your wishes and gives your loved ones clarity and peace of mind.