National Hospice and Palliative Care President and CEO Edo Banach says about 50 percent of Louisiana Medicare decedents were enrolled in hospice at the time of death. Banach says although it may be difficult to discuss, the holiday season provides an opportunity to discuss advance care planning with loved ones.
Starting a conversation about a grim subject may be hard to get started. Banach says remember you’re not talking about death itself, but end of life wishes, which everyone has to consider.
Banach says every adult should complete an advance directive and appoint a health care proxy or else your end of life decisions will be taken out of your hands.