Advance Care Planning – or ACP – is a process that lets you 1) talk about what’s important to you; 2) make choices about future medical care; and 3) identify the person you want to speak for you in the event you cannot make or express those decisions yourself. ACP is for all adults at every age and stage of health.
-
What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives (ADs) are the legal documents you create to express your wishes and decisions for medical care. Advance directives speak for you only if you can’t make or express your own medical choices. You do not need an attorney to create your advance directive, and they can be changed or revoked at any time. -
What is a Health Care Representative?
This is the person you select and trust to know what matters most to you, who understands and will follow your preferences and wishes for the medical treatment and outcomes you would or would not want, and who can make decisions in difficult situations. The Appointment of Health Care Representative is one of the principle types of advance directives.Click here to download the Appointment of My Health Care Representative form
-
What is a Living Will?
This advance directive lets you state your wishes regarding the kind of healthcare treatment you wish to receive – or not receive. It can also indicate the outcomes you would – or would not – accept as a result of that treatment. A Living Will guides loved ones and healthcare professionals in making treatment decisions consistent with your goals, values, beliefs and preferences. -
We Can Help!
You do not need an attorney to create your advance directives, but sometimes it takes a little help to get the conversation started. Our trained and compassionate ACP facilitators can help you think about what matters most and create thoughtful advance directives that clearly express your preferences for future medical care. All ACP services are free. You can also find helpful resources and forms by clicking on these links:
Contact Advance Care Planning
Plan now to ensure that what matters most to you will be understood, respected, and honored by loved ones and healthcare providers. Take the next step and start the conversation – it’s easy and it’s free.
Get started now by calling 203-732-1255 or email us at acp@griffinhealth.org.