Advance Care Planning

While we always hope for the best, sometimes we have to plan for the worst. An accident or a sickness can force us to make decisions about our health. Accidents can happen at any age, but it’s especially true that we need to plan ahead as we get older.

Advance care plans help medical staff know your wishes in a health situation. They can also give family and friends peace of mind. If they have to help make decisions for you in an emergency, they will know your wishes and preferences. Some examples of advance care plans include:

• Living will: A living will spells out decisions about your care. You might include decisions about pain management or organ donation. You might also include what efforts you want medical teams to make to keep you alive are some examples.
• Health care proxy: names a person who can make decisions for you
• Power of attorney: a legal document that names someone who can make a range of decisions for you. It might include financial as well as health decisions.

We can help you think through some of the decisions that you want in your advance care plan. We can also help you plan and have conversations with those around you about your wishes.

It’s good to be prepared. Advance care planning helps you, your family and friends make a plan and share it with medical staff.