In our society, we plan for many things.  We prepare for our retirement, save money for our kids' education, and even plan for our next trip.  One of things that we should also make sure to plan for is the kind of treatment and care we want when we are seriously ill or at the end of life.

Advance care planning (ACP) is much more than completing one's advance directive:  it also includes the ongoing discussions we have with our loved one concerning our decisions for future healthcare. 

We want to think about the type of end-of-life treatment we want and tell our loved ones our decisions before a crisis.  Too often, family and friends are left trying to figure out the type of treatment a loved one would have wanted if she/he could still speak.

That is why it is important to learn about the different options for end-of-life care and state your wishes in case there is a time when you no longer can speak for yourself. 

Advance care planning is for the whole family:  it is a gift you can give to your loved ones and a gift they can give to you. 

Kōkua Mau offers talks on advance care planning, web-based resources on how to start conversations with loved ones, and advance directives. 

We have also trained ACP facilitators who can help you and your loved ones talk about your wishs and document them in advance directives.  Contact Kōkua Mau for more information about ACP facilitation.

Please click on the blue button to the left for more information about Advanced Directives.