Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of understanding, reflecting on and discussing your experiences, values and beliefs in an effort to identify how you want to live if faced with a serious or life-limiting illness. It may include identifying the care you would want at the end of your life. It is important to choose someone to speak on your behalf if you are unable to make your own decisions, and take comfort in knowing that person will convey your wishes. You can also decide if you want to complete an ACP document, often referred to as an advance directive. Finally, you will want to communicate your wishes to your family, friends, clergy, other advisors, physicians and other health care professionals to help ensure that your wishes are honored. We offer both the Five Wishes and Honoring Choices advance care planning forms at no charge, and if you call us, trained staff are available to answer your questions and provide free assistance.