Health Care Decisions and Advance Care Planning – Why It Matters to Have It Now

By Alice Parks, director of population health management at Network Health

What is advance care planning?

You may not have heard of advance care planning, but it affects everyone. It’s a way for you to plan and make decisions now, to guide your health care in the future if you are ever unable to speak for yourself or make your own decisions.

Why is advance care planning important?

Usually, if you’re 18 or older, only you can make important decisions about your health. However, there are situations where you may not be able to do so, such as an accident or illness that causes confusion or affects your ability to communicate. It’s hard to think about that type of situation, but if it were to happen, who would you want to make health care decisions for you? And how would that person know what your wishes are?

The talk about advance care planning helps prepare your health care providers and the person you choose to make your health care decisions by discussing what is important to you and what you value in life. It allows you to decide the care you want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. You can leave instructions that take your values and preferences into account and eliminate uncertainty for your doctors and family members. Advance care planning instructions can give peace of mind to you, your family and those making important decisions on your behalf.

When is the ideal time to have the advance care planning talk?

You may not need to use an advance care plan for a while, but it’s important to have a plan in place. The best time to talk about it is when you feel well and can clearly state your wishes. Like a retirement plan, things can change, so you might want to revisit it occasionally—to take into account occurrences such as life changing events—and then have more discussions with your personal doctor and family.

Remember, your advance care plan is only used when you are unable to make your own health care decisions. At that point, your appointed decision maker will reference your wishes, values and beliefs before making health care decisions on your behalf.

How is advance care planning different than an advance directive?

The two are related, but an advance directive is different than advance care planning. An advance directive is a legal document that becomes effective if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. Advance directives include the following.

• A living will – This allows you to specify whether you would like to receive emergency treatments, such as CPR, artificial nutrition or hydration, use of ventilators or comfort care, that could be offered if you are dying or permanently unconscious. • Durable power of attorney – A durable power of attorney allows you to name a health care proxy—a person who knows your wishes and will make treatment decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

• Do not resuscitate (DNR) or do not intubate (DNI) orders

We recommend regularly reviewing and updating legal documents. Make sure to discuss any changes with your personal doctor and family.

If you have any questions about advance care planning, talk with your personal doctor, a social worker or call member experience at 800-236-0208 (TTY 800-947-3529) and request to speak with a care manager.