Advanced Care Planning, or Goals of Care discussions, are a process, not a one-time conversation. It is the process of thinking about, talking about, and writing down your wishes or instructions for present or future health care treatment in the event you become incapable to deciding for yourself. These are evolving discussions about what you want your care to look like when you are no longer able to speak for yourself. It is best not to assume that your family and health care providers will know what your wishes are.
Having discussions about your wishes early will allow for a thoughtful decision-making process and ensures that your care choices will be honoured.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Discussion about CPR status is only one part of Advanced Care Planning, or Goals of Care. One reason that CPR rates so highly in Advanced Care Planning discussions is that it is one of few decisions that needs to be made in the moment, by others if not previously determined, and at a time of high stress.
Health Care Directive
As part of advance care planning, you are encouraged to complete a Health Care Directive expressing your wishes about the amount and type of health care and treatment you want to receive should you become unable to speak or otherwise communicate this yourself. Completed by yourself, with someone else, or with your legal counsel, this legal document allows you to give another person the power to make medical decisions for you should you ever be unable to make them yourself.
Please remember to advise family, friends, your doctor and your proxy that you have a directive and know where it can be found.
