Who should do advance care planning?

Advance care planning is for everyone, and it is not just for those approaching the end of life. Life can be unpredictable. Most of us will have a time in our lives when we are unable to communicate our own wishes. For many, this may be temporary such as after an accident, when undergoing anesthesia for a surgery, or when recovering from a serious illness. For others, this may be long-lasting, for example as dementia progresses. While it is impossible to plan for everything, advance care planning can help ensure that those who care for us know what matters most. Having that information can help them make medical decisions for you that reflect your values and wishes. Therefore, we recommend that everyone 18 years of age and older do advance care planning.