What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning is a process during which a person plans their future health care in case they one day lose the ability to communicate their wishes. This is not a one-time conversation or event. Advance care planning involves ongoing reflection and conversation, especially as your health and wishes may change. The goal of advance care planning is to ensure your goals, wishes, and values are known so they can guide your medical care and help the individual(s) who will make decisions for you if/when you are unable to do so for yourself.