What is Advance Care Planning?

Thinking and talking about your health care wishes for the future are real gifts to those you love and to yourself. Sharing your thoughts - and letting your loved ones know what kind of care you would like if you became seriously ill - can give peace of mind to the people you love. Having this conversation can help to assure that you will receive the care you want as you approach the end of life.

This kind of planning is called advance care planning. Advance Care Planning is
§ Understanding your possible future health care choices
§ Thinking about your choices in light of what is important to you
§ Talking about your decisions with loved ones and your doctors
§ Writing down your plans so they will be ready if they are needed

Advance care plans express your values, beliefs and preferences for future care. It also guides those who will be making health care decisions for you when you are unable to make those decisions for yourself.

Hospice of McDowell County has a folder with information regarding advance care planning. Contact the Family Resource Coordinator at (828) 652-1318 for the folder "Isn't It Time We Talk?"