Take control of your care

Your wishes matter

You deserve care that reflects who you are, what matters most and how you want to live.

• Talk with your loved ones
• Ask questions
• Write down your wishes

What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning means thinking about, and sharing, your health care wishes if you ever become seriously ill or unable to speak for yourself.

It helps you:

• Stay in control of your care
• Avoid stress and confusion for your loved ones
• Make sure your care team knows what you do and don’t want

Why plan ahead?

There may come a time when you are unable to manage your own care. Planning now helps your family and doctors know what matters most to you — so they can make the right decisions later.

Common care goals

Think about what’s most important to you. Your care can be guided by your personal goals:

• Try everything
  All treatments will be used to help you live as long as possible
• Try some things
  Some treatments are okay, but comfort and function matter more
• Stay comfortable
  Focus on pain relief and peace, not more treatment

What happens if you don’t plan?

If your wishes aren’t clear, health care providers need to do everything possible in an emergency — even if it’s not what you would have wanted. A family member or state-appointed person may have to decide for you, without knowing your wishes.

Helpful forms to know about

Talk to your care team about filling out one or more of these:

• Advance Directive
  Tells others what kind of care you want
• Living Will
  Lists the treatments you do or don’t want
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
  Says no CPR or breathing machines if your heart or breathing stops