Creating an advanced care plan can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Advanced care planning is the process of creating a plan for your future health care in the event that you are not in a position to make or communicate your wishes.
It can be as simple as having a conversation about your values with a loved one, identifying a health care power of attorney, and signing forms. Advanced care plans can cover a short or long period of time, and can be established at any time in someone's life.
A plan for everyone
“Every single one of us needs a health care power of attorney,” says Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, a professor in the Rush Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
She encourages everyone to identify someone they want to make health care decisions for them and start a conversation about their needs. Keeping everyone on the same page by talking about it — and ideally writing it down — can be a small comfort in difficult and often painful situations.
“It is a great gift for you to give to your family so that if something were ever to happen to you, they don't have to guess,” she said.
For older adults and minority groups, having an advanced care plan can empower them to have a voice in their care, regardless of whether they can communicate for themselves. It is critical for equitable care.
“So many voices are unheard about what they want, and if nobody asks them, they’re less likely to get it right,” Emery-Tiburcio said.
Starting the conversation
Every decision does not need to be made immediately, and details can be sorted out over time.
Starting an advanced care plan can be as simple as identifying a health care power of attorney, writing it down on paper, and signing it. If you change your mind at any time, you can rip it up and create a new one.
In Illinois, advanced care plans do not need to be notarized.
“It's just one of those things to prepare — like you did your taxes, and you did your health care power of attorney,” Emery-Tiburcio said.
The Rush Center for Excellence in Aging has resources and decision-making tools to help you make the best choice for you and your loved ones.
