What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning is the process of discussing and documenting your health care preferences, and appointing someone who can speak for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself. Advance care planning helps you prepare for any encounter with the healthcare system, especially accidents or sudden illnesses.

Is this like a living will, or power of attorney for health care, or advance medical directive?

In a word, yes. Although there are different terms and legal standards for different states and situations, they all point to appointing a healthcare agent and documenting your preferences so that your doctor and loved ones can make health care decisions the way you want them made. We can assist with these documents in any state.

I'm perfectly healthy. Is this for me?

Absolutely. Accidents and illnesses can happen any time. If you're not prepared, your doctor and loved ones will be left guessing what's most important to you, and the healthcare system may do things to you instead of for you. Make your plan now.

I was just diagnosed with a serious illness. Is this for me?

Yes. Our facilitations can help you with the first steps of articulating and documenting what's most important to you in life as you face your illness.

Since we are not clinicians, we won't be able to provide advice about your specific condition or medical options. But we will be able to help you understand and share your priorities so that you can advocate for yourself and make your best decisions.

Do you help with wills, funerals, long-term care or other estate planning?

No. Our services focus on preparing for health care decisions.

What happens in a facilitation?

Our process includes:
-Exploring what's most important to you as a person
-Appointing a health care agent to make decisions for you if you can't speak for yourself, along with alternate agents
-Exploring your options in case an accident or sudden illness occurs
-Exploring the beliefs, attitudes and cultural considerations you use to make your decisions
-Sharing the care and comforts you'd look for if you were very sick
-Documenting all of these in an advance directive (sometimes called healthcare power of attorney, living will or POA)
-Sharing your advance directive with your doctor, agent(s), and others in your circle

Don't I need a lawyer for this?

Not at all. In fact, too many attorneys just help complete a document without helping you or your agent understand your health care priorities. This results in a false sense of security and can leave you, your doctor and family unprepared to make decisions during a sudden illness.

Where do we meet?

We can meet by phone or video, wherever you are!

Should I bring someone with me to an appointment?

You sure can. It's often helpful to bring your spouse, a friend, or the person you think you want as your health care agent.

I'm still nervous. This sounds scary, and kinda morbid. Am I ready?

People are surprised at how simple and rewarding advance care planning is. There's often humor, loving moments, and peace of mind as the conversation goes. Yes, there are some tough parts, but we'll guide you through them.
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Don't leave yourself and your loved ones at the mercy of the health care system. You're ready now, and we're ready to help. Schedule your appointment below.