3 key steps for Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning is thinking ahead about the type of medical and healthcare decisions you would want made for you in the future, especially if you are seriously ill.

1. Choose a health care agent

Pick someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you’re ever unable to. Talk to them about your wishes, and write down their name.

  • Need help starting the conversation? Listen to Episode 6 of our podcast, Invaluable Gift for tips from a physician.

2. Talk about what matters to you

Share your healthcare preferences with your agent and loved ones. What kind of care would you want if you couldn’t decide for yourself?

These resources can help you begin:

Use our “Advance Care Planning and Serious Illness Conversations” guides to walk through these discussions together:

3. Put it in writing

Once you’ve made your decisions, write them down.

Make sure you’re heard, even if you can’t speak for yourself.

Your preparation of an advanced directive can prevent future confusion, chaos, and stress for yourself and loved ones when the unexpected occurs.