Why Advance Care Planning Matters

Advance care planning (ACP) is about preparing for the unexpected. It gives you the opportunity to make your healthcare decisions known before someone else may have to make decisions for you.

Advance care planning helps you prepare for the unexpected.

Preparing for the Unexpected

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. A sudden illness or accident can leave anyone temporarily or permanently unable to make or communicate healthcare decisions. Having an advance directive in place helps ensure your loved ones and healthcare team understand your decisions rather than having to guess.

It's for Every Adult

Many people believe ACP is only for older adults or people with serious illnesses.

In reality, every adult can benefit from having an advance directive. Accidents and unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any age. Completing an advance directive before it's needed helps ensure your decisions are documented and available if the unexpected occurs.

Whether you're 18 or 80, healthy or living with a chronic condition, ACP gives you the opportunity to make your own healthcare choices before someone else may have to make them for you.

Advanced care planning is for every adult.

Advanced care planning gives your loved ones healthcare guidance.

It Gives Your Loved Ones Guidance

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family and friends is clarity.

Without an advance directive, the people closest to you may be left trying to guess what you would have wanted during an already stressful and emotional time.

By documenting your decisions and talking with your healthcare agent and loved ones, you help reduce uncertainty and give them confidence that they're honoring your decisions—not making them for you.

It Helps Everyone Make Better Decisions

ACP helps everyone involved in your care make informed decisions. Your healthcare agent understands your decisions, your loved ones have greater clarity during difficult moments, and your healthcare team has guidance that supports person-centered care.

MyDirectives advanced care planning helps everyone involved in your care make better decisions.

The best time to create an advanced care plan is before you need it.

The Best Time Is Before You Need It

The best time to complete an advance directive is before you need one.

Many people postpone ACP because it’s uncomfortable to address or they assume there's always more time. But completing an advance directive while you're healthy allows you to make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of a medical crisis.

If your health or circumstances change later, you can review and update your advance directive so it continues to reflect your decisions.

Advanced care planning with MyDirectives gives your family the gift of clarity.

Planning Ahead Is a Gift

Planning ahead gives your loved ones something invaluable: clarity. Instead of wondering what you would have wanted, they'll have the confidence of knowing they've honored your choices. ACP doesn't eliminate difficult moments, but it can make those moments a little less uncertain for the people who care about you most.

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