Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and writing down your wishes or instructions for present or future health care treatment in the event you become incapable of deciding for yourself. It is very important to talk with loved ones and health professionals about the types of care that are or are not preferred, including conversations to continue or to abandon life-support measures. It is best not to assume your family and health providers know what you want.

Health Care Directive

As part of advance care planning, you are encouraged to complete a Health Care Directive expressing your wishes about the amount and type of health care and treatment you want to receive should you become unable to speak or otherwise communicate this yourself. Completed by yourself, with someone else, or with your legal counsel, this legal document allows you to give another person the power to make medical decisions for you should you ever be unable to make them yourself.

Please remember to advise family, friends, your doctor and your proxy that you have a directive and know where it can be found.