Advance Care Planning - Who Will Speak for You?

If you are faced with an illness or accident where you are unable to speak for yourself, who would speak for you?

This is the first question of Advance Care Planning.  Advance Care planning begins with a conversation regarding who would represent you if you can't can't communicate.

Medical Preferences

• What are your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments such as CPR, mechanical ventilation, or artificial nutrition and hydration?
• Under what circumstances would you want these treatments to be started, continued, or stopped?
• Are there specific medical conditions or situations where you would not want certain treatments?

Quality of Life:

• What does a good quality of life mean to you?
• Are there specific activities or abilities that are important for your quality of life?
• How do you define dignity and comfort in medical care

• What are your religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs that may influence your medical decisions?
• How do your personal values and beliefs shape your preferences for end-of-life care?

Healthcare Proxy:

• Who would you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you were unable to do so?
• Have you discussed your healthcare preferences with your chosen healthcare proxy?
• Do they understand your wishes and are they willing to advocate for them?

End-of-Life Care:

• Where would you prefer to receive end-of-life care (e.g., at home, in a hospice facility, in a hospital)?
• Are there specific comfort measures or palliative care interventions you would like to prioritize at the end of life?

Communication Preferences:

• How would you like healthcare providers to communicate with you and your loved ones about your medical condition and treatment options?
• Do you have specific preferences for involving family members or loved ones in medical decision-making?

Legal and Practical Considerations:

• Have you legally documented your healthcare preferences through a living will or advance directive?
• Are your advance care planning documents easily accessible to your healthcare providers and loved ones in case of an emergency?
• Have you reviewed and updated your advance care planning documents regularly?