Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning is:

• For anyone 18 or older who makes their own decisions
• Naming people you trust to make decisions if you can't speak for yourself in a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOAH) document
• Telling your people what is most important to you if something unexpected or sudden happens (like an accident or illness)
• Sharing your documents with your care team in case something unexpected happens

Advance care planning can give peace of mind. This process makes it more likely you'll get the type of care you want, no matter what happens. It also takes a burden off your loved ones because they'll know what you want them to do.

Advance directives are legal documents used only when you're unable to speak for yourself. Your advance directives may include:

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health care (DPOAH) — Names your patient advocate(s), people who would make decisions for you if you can’t
• Living Will — Explains your preferences for care
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order — Tells health care professionals you do not want life-saving measures if your heart or breathing stops; your physician must fill out this form with you
• Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (MI-POST) — Physician orders for people with serious advanced illness or frailty that outlines care wanted in a crisis

A patient advocate is a trusted person chosen to make medical decisions, including end-of-life decisions in the event a person is unable to make their own decisions. In Michigan, two physicians, or one physician and one clinical psychologist, must both agree a person is unable to make their own decisions.

A patient advocate may need to make decisions about:

• Medical care and services, such as tests, medicine, and surgery
• Discontinuing treatment based on the person's instructions or what is in the person's best interest
• Releasing medical records
• Which organization and health care professional should provide care
• Living situation, such as long-term care and rehab

Choosing a patient advocate is important. Make sure the person you choose:

• Is 18 years or older and willing to take on this role and responsibility
• Can be contacted when you need them
• Takes an active interest or concern in your well-being
• Can make decisions under stressful situations