Life is a series of cycles. And having your wishes respected when at your most vulnerable is important, particularly come the end of your life. Here's the link to an article I recently wrote about Advance Care Plans or Advance Health Directives.
http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=41460#.U4mjbPmSyBI
Making an Advance Care Plan, or Advance Health Directive, is not only a good idea for the person who makes it, but it's important for family members or friends (or whoever you appoint as your Medical Power of Attorney or Substitute Decision Maker) who may be called on to make critical decisions should you be in a state that renders you unable to express your own wishes.
If you are thrust into the roll of carer, it's a good idea to make sure the person you are caring for, if over 18 years of age, has an Advance Care Plan or Advance Health Directive, as they are known in Australia, in place.
To find out what inspires Michele check out her other blog: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com
Text and image: copyright Michele Gierck
Photo: Eucalyptus Silver Princess just prior to sunset
It's great getting reader responses to Fraying. So many people whose parents have had dementia have written to me, and I find their stories so moving.
Here's a few lines received this week.
'I purchased a copy of Fraying and I simply couldn't put it down. It was like I was reading my own life experiences with my mother... Thank you so much for writing this story for me too. It will remain a most treasured book on my bookshelf and shared with others.'
All I can say is thank you, thank you to readers.
The more we share our stories, the richer the community. Stories, after all, are our treasures.
Michele Gierck
Author/Freelance Writer/Speaker 