What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for future health and personal care. It includes discussing one’s personal beliefs and goals for care with their loved ones and healthcare providers.
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for one’s current and future healthcare. ACP helps individuals to communicate to important people and the healthcare team about their values and how these values shape their healthcare preferences. In the event that the individual is no longer able to make decisions or speak for themselves, the ACP guides the decision makers to act in their best interest.
Benefits of Advance Care Planning
Doing an ACP helps to promote more holistic healthcare:
- Patients receive healthcare that is tailored to their values and preferences. Many patients who have done their ACP avoided unnecessary or overly aggressive medical treatments.
- Families of people who have done their ACP experienced less anxiety, less stress, and were clearer about what decisions to make.
- The healthcare team has a better understanding of the quality of life you expect and can act in your best interests.
Who is Advance Care Planning for?
ACP is an important part of routine healthcare. Anyone can start their ACP today regardless of their age or health condition. Discussing and documenting your healthcare preferences with your loved ones and healthcare team can give everyone peace of mind.
ACP is particularly important for people who have a chronic illness, an early cognitive impairment, frail, or are approaching the end of life.
When Should We Start Advance Care Planning?
Life is unpredictable, and you will never know when you might need an ACP. ACP is a way to plan ahead with your loved ones and healthcare team. We recommend that everyone, regardless health status, to start planning for their ACP today.
Start Your ACP Journey
Find an ACP facilitator near you using our Directory here.
Learn More
Click on the following pages to get more details on Advance Care Planning.
All About ACP
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for future health and personal care. It includes discussing one’s personal beliefs and goals for care with their loved ones and healthcare providers.
Simple Steps For ACP
Advance Care Planning begins with your loved ones having an open conversation with you about their wishes and goals for care.
Other Ways To Plan Ahead
Apart from Advance Care Planning (ACP), there are other tools that can aid you and your loved ones in planning ahead should you lose mental capacity.
FAQs on ACP
Here is a compilation of frequently asked questions about Advance Care Planning (ACP).
ACP Resources
Access our compilation of materials and an online booklet on Advance Care Planning here.
