Advance Care Planning -- What is it?

Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about what kind of care you would want at the end of your life if you were unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. It includes examining your values and beliefs, discussing your wishes with your loved ones, friends, and health care providers, and completing an Advance Directive.

An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows you to make your wishes about end-of-life health care known in advance. There are many different forms and workbooks available on the Internet to help you decide and document your wishes. Our Download an Advance Directive page allows you to download a simple, easy-to-read form for California in English or Spanish. It also has sources for additional forms used in California and in other states. (Some states require a specific form. If in doubt, check with your local physician or hospital.) You may also be able to find advance directive forms at your local hospital or hospice organization.

An Advance Directive form is made up of two parts:

• Your preferences about various kinds of medical treatment near the end of life (a Living Will) and
  
• The designation of an agent who can make decisions about your care when you can't (a Medical Power of Attorney or a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care).

(A Medical Power of Attorney is not the same as a Power of Attorney for financial or business decisions.  In addition to your Advance Directive for health care, you can also create a financial or business power of attorney designating someone to make decisions in these areas if you are unable to do so yourself).

To learn more about Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning, you can attend a public presentation offered in Santa Cruz County.

Continue to: Completing your Advance Directive