Advance Care Planning
Who Will Speak For You?
April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. Advance Care Planning is the process of identifying your wishes for your health care at a future time when you may not be capable of making these choices for yourself. Because your health care wishes may change over time, Advance Care Planning should be an ongoing conversation – allowing you to make adjustments as your needs and perspectives change. The first step is often the hardest to take.
Begin with a discussion with family and/or friends and your medical team about your future healthcare goals and preferences. Select a person, and an alternate, to be your Healthcare Agent. Choose a person who will honor your wishes.
Complete an Advance Directive/Living Will. A blank Advance Directive form is available for download on the CCH and DECH websites. Or, a printed copy can be picked up at the hospital. This document will outline what treatments you may or may not want in different medical situations. Be sure to keep your plan up to date by reviewing the documents periodically to ensure they are in line with your current wishes. And most importantly, share the information with family and friends. Provide copies to your provider and place on file at hospitals you receive care.
The best time to think through and make the decisions about your healthcare wishes is now, before a healthcare crisis. While these are difficult decisions and conversations, a well maintained Advance Care Document is a gift from you to those you love and care for – it provides your loved ones with the confidence to act in your best interest and honor your wishes.
MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT: DeeDee Travis
DATE: April 10, 2025 CCH Community Relations
(207) 454-9227