The first step in advance care planning is thinking about the care you’d want if you were seriously ill or nearing the end of your life. Begin by thinking about the things that are important to you.

We understand that this conversation can be hard – but the best time to have this conversation is now. Unsure where to begin? We can help:

The Conversation Project is a national grass roots movement that has partnered with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to improve end- of-life care for Americans. Visit www.theconversationproject.org for more information.

Now that you’ve talked about what you want, it’s time to pick someone to speak for you if you can’t. Your healthcare agent should be someone you trust who understands your goals, values and beliefs.

Coalition for Compassionate Care of California

Coalition for Compassionate Care of California promotes high quality compassionate care for everyone who is seriously ill or nearing the end of life. Visit www.coalitionccc.org for more information

Do it now. It’s easy to put this off, but completing your advance directive early ensures that your wishes will be honored.

An advance directive is a document that a person completes in advance that indicates the kind of care they would want if they were to be in an accident or become seriously ill. In addition, an advance directive allows a person to name an agent or surrogate that can make health care decisions on their behalf in the event that they can’t speak for themselves.

Go to step 4. COMPLETE section to choose from your state to view language options and download an advance directive