Conversations about the future, especially about illness or the end of life, are never easy. Yet, advance care planning (ACP) is one of the most important steps individuals and families can take to ensure healthcare decisions reflect their values, preferences, and dignity.
At its core, advance care planning is about giving people control. It allows you to document your wishes for medical treatment should you become unable to speak for yourself. This could mean deciding whether you would want aggressive interventions, such as being placed on a ventilator, or choosing comfort-focused care at home. By clarifying these choices in advance, you reduce the burden on loved ones who might otherwise be forced to make agonizing decisions in moments of crisis.
Research shows that ACP not only improves patient satisfaction but also strengthens families. When wishes are clearly documented, family members experience less stress, guilt, and conflict. It can turn a potentially painful situation into one where loved ones can focus on being present rather than debating medical choices.
Advance care planning isn’t just for older adults or those facing serious illness. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can happen at any age. Having a plan ensures that your voice is heard no matter the circumstances. A good place to start is by completing an advance directive or living will, and by appointing a healthcare proxy—someone you trust to speak on your behalf if needed.
Most importantly, advance care planning is not a one-time event. As life changes, so do our priorities. Revisiting your choices regularly ensures that your plan continues to reflect your goals, whether you’re newly married, living with a chronic condition, or entering retirement.
Talking about advance care planning may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is ultimately a gift: a way to safeguard your values, ease the minds of loved ones, and ensure that your healthcare aligns with what matters most: living, and if necessary, dying, on your own terms.
Dr. Michelle Schmerge founded Equity Health to make exceptional healthcare accessible to everyone, everywhere with a focus on homebound seniors. Together with her team of clinicians and coordinators, she offers home-based primary care, care navigation, and advance care planning. Learn more at www.equityhealthcares.com.
