None of us expects to be in a serious car accident, to suffer a heart attack or stroke or to be diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. But every day we hear of automobile accidents; tragic and violent events at schools, churches and workplaces; and illnesses being diagnosed. All unexpected; all changing lives in a second; all happening to adults and children, regardless of their age or health status.

Tidelands Community Hospice, your community’s not-for-profit hospice, has been providing hospice and services care in Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties for more than thirty years. During that time, we have provided care to more than 6,000 patients and families. We have witnessed first-hand the difficulties patients and families face when making decisions in the midst of a crisis and when families have to guess about their loved one’s wishes for care at the end of life.

We understand that talking about making plans and decisions concerning end-of-life care isn’t something that is at the top of anyone’s “to do” list and is often not an easy conversation to start. But we are planners. We plan for everything from births and buying a home to vacations and parties. When planning for those, we think about and discuss what we want and make arrangements if the unexpected does occur. 

So why not think about, discuss, plan and make healthcare decisions while you are able to discuss your healthcare decisions with your family members and physicians, before the unexpected occurs and you are unable to do so. When speaking to groups or talking with individuals we are often asked:

1. How Does Making and Implementing Healthcare Decisions Relate to Living My Best Life?
   • Having Advanced Directives, living will and health care power of attorney is planning for your future and how you want to live if the unexpected occurs.
   • You are ensured that your wishes of how you want to live at the end of life are known and that your care is reflective of your wishes.
   • At Tidelands Community Hospice, members of our interdisciplinary team talk with patients and families about their needs and desires. Hospice care is based on each patient’s and family’s needs and desires.
2. How Does Having Advanced Directive Help My Loved Ones?

• • Throughout the years of Tidelands Community Hospice providing bereavement support to families, we have seen family members, whose loved ones’ wishes were not known, have doubts about the decisions they had to make on behalf of their loved ones.
  • By making and sharing your decisions ahead of time, you are giving your loved ones the greatest gift – spending time with you and other family members without having to discuss or make decisions. When the time comes, they know they are fulfilling your wishes.

“In addition to providing hospice care and services in Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties, Tidelands Community Hospice serves a community resource on end-of-life issues. Members of our staff are available to talk with you individually or to speak and host workshops on preparing for the unexpected, Advance Directives, to church and civic organizations,” says Barriedel Llorens, Foundation Director.

For more information about the agency, visit TidelandsHospice.org online or call (843) 546-3410.