Advance Care Planning involves having conversations with your loved ones so you can complete an Advance Directive. An Advance Directive is a medical document that indicates your preferences for care in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes. (if you are in a coma, for example).
Regardless of your age, documenting your wishes today means your family won't have to make heart–wrenching decisions later. It's important to talk with your doctor and your family about your health care decisions. St. Peter's Health can help you with these conversations, help you understand your options, and assist you in completing the Advance Directive.
Advance Care Planning Information
Would your family know what health decisions to make if you couldn’t make them yourself? Would you want to be on life-support if there were no chance of your recovery? Have you talked with your family about your health care wishes? If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, you need to consider Advance Care Planning.
It is best to have loved ones be part of Advance Care Planning conversations so that they know and understand your wishes. Otherwise, your family may be unprepared to make difficult or possibly life and death decisions for you.