Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a way to plan for your future medical care if you can't make decisions yourself. ACP is more than just paperwork. It is a way to ensure your wishes are known and respected, even if you can't speak for yourself during a medical crisis.
To start Advance Care Planning:
- Discuss your preferences with your loved ones and healthcare providers.
- Clarify and document your values, beliefs, and goals regarding medical treatment.
- Choose a spokesperson (Health Care Agent) and an alternate spokesperson to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can't speak for yourself.
- Discuss your end-of-life wishes, including organ donation, with your spokesperson, alternate spokesperson, and trusted individuals.
- Fill out the New York Health Care Proxy and Living Will forms to specify your preferences in writing.
- Regularly review and update these forms, especially after major life changes.
- Keep ongoing discussions and updates about your end-of-life wishes with your spokesperson and trusted individuals.
ACP brings peace of mind by reducing uncertainty and preventing conflicts over your care. It's a thoughtful and caring process that involves your loved ones and healthcare team in planning for your future well-being.
Last Reviewed: July 24, 2023