Planning ahead is for everyone. A serious illness or accident can happen at any age. Give yourself and your family peace of mind by knowing that your wishes are documented.
Advance care planning involves understanding healthcare choices, knowing your preferences, and sharing them – to give guidance to your loved ones and care team.
Advance care planning has multiple parts, and the ones that best meet your needs may depend on your unique situation and your health condition. Some parts of advance care planning include:
Good communication with your loved ones is key in planning for the future.
Talking to your primary care provider can help you learn about care options to decide your choices for your healthcare.
Advance directives are legal documents that tell your healthcare team how you want to be cared for at the end of your life.
Advance directives most often have two sections that can be filled out:
You do not need a lawyer to write these papers. There are many available advance directive forms that you can fill out on your own. These become valid when you and two appropriate witnesses sign the form.
Here are some options for different advance directive forms:
1. PREPARE for your care is a step-by-step program with video stories to help you:
2. The Five Wishes Booklet helps you decide your personal, emotional, and spiritual needs and medical wishes. The booklet includes your Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and addresses the following:
3. Advance Directive forms by state:
Make sure your healthcare provider has a copy of your advance directive on file (see instructions on how to upload it to ChristianaCare below). Give a copy to your healthcare agent and other important people in your life.
These legal papers can always be changed as your wishes may change over time.
DMOST stands for Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment. The DMOST is an advance care planning document which is a standing order for medical treatment preferences. It is used for certain patients who are nearing the end of life. This form goes into effect once signed by you and your healthcare provider and protects your wishes across different settings. A DMOST works along with an advance directive. You can get more information at DQOLC.org.
When you get admitted to the hospital, you will be asked about your healthcare wishes as a routine part of your care.