LifePath Offers Living Will Toolkits

National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16, and LifePath Hospice is encouraging adults to fill out free advance directives and discuss their care decisions with loved ones on that day and throughout the month.

Throughout April, LifePath Hospice is giving out free packets of information that include the proper forms needed to complete advance directives. Packets are available in English and Spanish.

Westchase, Odessa, Keystone and Citrus Park residents are welcomed to pick up a packet at LifePath Hospice, located at 11150 N. 53rd St.

Advance directives are living wills that provide instructions for loved ones on what to do if you become ill and unable express your own decisions.

“The most important reason to fill out your advance directives is to help your loved ones know the type of care you want—or don’t want—if you are unable to speak for yourself during a critical medical emergency,” said Patty Klein, public relations specialist for Chapters Health System, which oversees LifePath Hospice and is headquartered in Temple Terrace. “Your loved ones will not have to guess if they made the right decision about your healthcare wishes. This is a much easier conversation to have when people are healthy and not facing important decisions regarding care.”

“All adults should fill out advance directives—you never know what direction life is going to take you,” Klein said. “If your advance directives are complete, you’re prepared.”

For more information about advance directives or to print out the forms yourself, visit LifePath Hospice online.