“It's always too early until it’s too late.”  - Ellen Goodman, The Conversation Project 

Advance Care Planning refers to the process of discussing and documenting your healthcare wishes for the future. It involves important conversations with loved ones and your medical team, as well as creating legal documents like advance directives. While many associate this with older adults, Advance Care Planning is recommended for anyone over 18, regardless of their health status.

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences. It typically includes two key components: 

• Living Will: Specifies your medical preferences, such as treatments you would or wouldn't want if you become unable to communicate your wishes. 

• Healthcare Representative: Appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. 

It’s important to note that an advance directive only pertains to medical decisions; it does not grant financial or other legal powers.

Selecting a healthcare representative is a significant decision, as this person will be entrusted with making medical decisions on your behalf. Here are some things to consider: 

• Your representative can be a spouse, family member, or friend. Some people choose their closest loved one, while others may prefer someone with a bit of distance, who might be more objective. 

• Regardless of who you choose, your representative must understand your wishes and be committed to honoring them. Open and honest communication is essential to ensure they feel comfortable making decisions that align with your preferences. 

• Consider whether your chosen representative would be able to advocate for you, even in difficult situations. Will they be comfortable speaking up on your behalf when needed? 

• You can update or change your healthcare representative at any time by completing a new advance directive. 

• You can change your choice of healthcare representative at any time by completing a new advance directive. 

Advance Care Planning isn’t just about filling out documents—it's about having meaningful conversations with your loved ones and healthcare team. Sharing your wishes and values can provide a deeper understanding of your preferences and remove uncertainty in difficult moments. Here’s how to get started: 

• Reflect on what matters most: Take time to think about your values and what’s important to you regarding your care. These reflections will guide your decisions and conversations. 

• Initiating the conversation is key: The process of discussing your wishes with loved ones and your medical team is just as important as the legal documents. By sharing your preferences, you help ensure your care aligns with your values. 

• Give your loved ones peace of mind: When your wishes are clear, you remove the guesswork from decision-making during challenging times. Documenting your values in writing provides clarity and comfort for your loved ones when they need it most. 

• Prepare for the conversation: Before talking to your family or healthcare representative, gather your thoughts. To help you articulate what matters most, tools like The Conversation Starter Guide from The Conversation Project can help you get organized (theconversationproject.org).