Advance care planning - peace of mind today

What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning (ACP) helps you think about what matters to you and make choices about your future care so you can live your extraordinary life today.

Who is this for?

If you’re over the age 18, at any stage of health, this is for you.

Why should I do this now?

The best way to have peace of mind now is to make sure your loved ones and medical providers know your wishes if illness or injury ever makes you unable to tell them yourself. This helps protect you and your loved ones from the grief that comes if they don’t know what matters to you.

How do I get started?

Step 1: Think about and decide what matters to you so you have a say in your health care.

Step 2: Decide on 1 to 3 people who need to know what matters to you, and who you trust to make your medical choices when you can’t.

Step 3: Talk with these people and make sure you are all on the same page. Ask if they are OK with you giving their phone numbers and addresses to UCHealth to list them as your Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA).

Who can help you with these talks at UCHealth?

Your oncology team can talk about what matters most to you and how to match this to your treatment plan.  Just ask about advance care planning at your next visit.

You can set up a visit with your advanced practice provider or social worker.

©2022, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora

June 2022

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