Advance Care Planning FAQs

Advance care planning is the process of considering, discussing and documenting your preferences for future healthcare treatment.

An advance directive is a set of legal documents that outlines your wishes for healthcare. Key documents include Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Living Will and Mental Health Treatment Declaration.

A Living Will is a written document to inform your healthcare providers and loved ones what type of medical care you want to receive if you are terminally ill or unconscious.

A Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a written document to appoint an individual to make medical decisions in the event you are unable to make them yourself.

Yes. Only when you are unable to make decisions for yourself will your healthcare proxy step forward to make decisions on your behalf.

Your Advance Directives should be reviewed at least annually. In addition, they should be reviewed and updated with any change in condition, change in healthcare wishes or change in healthcare proxy.

Your loved ones will not know your wishes and may become confused, scared or even angry through the process. You may also receive treatment not in line with your healthcare wishes.