1. THINK: TAKE THE FIRST STEP
If you were in an accident or became seriously ill, would your family and
friends know what care and treatment you’d prefer? Would they know what you
wouldn’t want? Advance care planning gives you a chance to express what’s
important to you. It helps you, your loved ones and your healthcare teams
plan for the future.
The first step in the advance care planning process is to think about the
care you would want. It’s not always easy to think about being very
sick or nearing the end of your life. We’re here to help.
Looking to get started? Try thinking about these things:
- How have others been cared for at the end of their lives? Were the care
experiences positive or negative?
- What would you want your family and care providers to do differently for
you? What would you want them to do the same?
- Think about your values. What makes life meaningful to you? Is it important
for you to be completely independent? Live at home? Or would you be content
being able to sit up in a chair?
Are you unsure of what type of medical procedures you would want? Explore
the Coaltion for Compassionate Care of California
Form: Values Worksheet for End of Life Decision
Visit
resource center page for more THINK tools.
Video: Advance Care Planning
Dr. Douglas Wilson specializes in family medicine, hospice and palliative care at Queen of
the Valley Medical Center.
For more information about palliative care offered at Queen of the Valley
Medical Center, please
click here.