Advanced Decision Making – Brain Donation
Advance decision-making is a proactive process for planning end-of-life care, often formalized as an “advance directive.” This legal document is part of estate planning. Your Advance Directive outlines a person’s wish for medical treatments and interventions before they become urgent. It’s particularly crucial for those caring for individuals with special needs.
The Benefits of an Advance Directive:
- Provides clarity during difficult situations
- Offers peace of mind to decision-makers
- Can be adjusted as needed
- Helps avoid stress in emotional times
- Important to understand the patient’s baseline behaviors and quality of life
For Caregivers:
- Create a communication plan for healthcare teams
- Consider discussing topics gradually, especially with younger patients
- Remember that decisions like hospice or DNR can be revoked
- Allows additional time to process difficult decisions and the emotions that arise
Resources:
- Advance Decision Making Planning Sheet for preparation
- Acute Care Decision Making Sheet for immediate situations
- Tissue donation options are available. Anyone who wishes to consider donation of whole brain tissue for research purposes after a loved one passing should contact the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank (UMBTB) at btbumab@som.umaryland.edu
Planning ahead empowers caregivers and ensures dignified care aligned with the patient’s wishes.
Updated 09/25/24 (KK)