Advanced care planning

Advance care planning involves planning for your care and future health care treatments. It is a communication process that involves:

• Learning about your treatment options
• Thinking about your values
• Talking about your decisions
• Documenting your wishes

A healthcare directive is a legal document that informs others of your choices about your health care. Your healthcare directive gives instructions on what medical treatments you do and do not want under certain circumstances, including life-sustaining treatments. Within a healthcare directive, you designate a healthcare agent, also referred to as a healthcare power of attorney, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself.

The Minnesota Board on Aging provides an overview of advance directives and helpful resources.

Advance care planning can be started at any time, provided you are able to make decisions for yourself. It can provide your loved ones and providers with a better understanding of your desires and help guide them in carrying out your wishes.

If you would like more information or help with a healthcare directive, contact Social Services at 320.225.3576.