By Joseph Shega, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer, VITAS® Healthcare
Contemplating an action can sometimes take up more time than actually taking the action itself. This holds true for big life decisions and topics that may cause discomfort, like planning for the end of life.
A 2023 survey commissioned by VITAS Healthcare revealed that only 1 in 4 men have formally documented their end-of-life wishes, despite 56% of men knowing what kind of medical treatment they do and do not want at the end of life.
The research also suggests that men with serious illnesses are more reluctant than women to talk about their impending death in clinical settings. This hesitation may stem from a fear of appearing “weak” or “needy.” However, making decisions about end-of-life care is an act of strength and can relieve the burden on family members and caregivers.
One way to prioritize your health and plan for the unexpected is to make an advanced care plan, ensuring that your end-of-life wishes are honored. But for many men, there is a disparity between thinking about making end-of-life plans and actually documenting them.
4 Steps to Begin Advance Care Planning
Having documentation of your end-of-life wishes provides clarity and direction for care teams and prevents delays in care, meaning more time spent comfortably with loved ones.
So, how do you get started?
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Reflect on your values and preferences: What matters most to you in terms of quality of life, medical treatments, how and where you spend your time, and end-of-life care?
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Talk to your primary care physician: Physicians are prepared to have advance care planning conversations, discuss options, and provide guidance.
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Document your wishes in writing: Formally documenting your end-of-life wishes makes it more likely that you’ll receive the care you prefer.
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Review and update regularly: Revisit your advanced care plan periodically to confirm it aligns with your current preferences, and continue to check in with your physician at all stages of health.
Why is advance care planning important?
Men are more likely than women to say they haven’t thought about their wishes for end-of-life care, according to the VITAS survey, which is why it’s important for men to seize the opportunity to prioritize their health by making necessary preparations for the future.
Having an advanced care plan can greatly improve end-of-life care, protect personal autonomy, and provide peace of mind for the patient and their loved ones. As a physician, I want people to have every tool available to ensure they experience the physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort and support they deserve throughout life’s journey.
For many, that can involve hospice, which gives seriously ill patients and their loved ones meaningful time together when the focus of care turns from burdensome treatment to comfort and quality of life near the end of life. And hospice isn’t just for the last few days or weeks of life. Patients with an anticipated life expectancy of six months or less can be hospice eligible.
Men deserve to be heard and cared for at all stages of life. Talking about end of life and making an advance care plan are important steps that you can take now to prepare for your health and well-being in the future.
