Imagine a sudden illness or injury left you unable to communicate
You may ask yourself:
- Whom do I want to speak for me?
- What do I want that person to know about my values and wishes?
- How can I give that person legal authority to make decisions for me?
Everyone 18 and older should have an advance directive because Wisconsin is not a "next of kin" state (meaning family members do not have automatic legal authority to make health care decisions).
How to get started on your advance care planning
Step 1:
Schedule an advance care planning session
Our Advance Care Planning Facilitators will guide you in a thought provoking conversation that will help think about your health care wishes in advance, before you face a medical crisis. They will then help you complete your advance care plan including an advance directive. This service is available at no cost. To schedule an appointment, please contact via email or phone:
Download the pdf below to fill out your advanced care planning information. Once you've correctly completed the form, simply submit the document using the contact information below.
Step 2:
Send us your advance directive
If you already have an advance directive, our team would be happy to look it over and include it in your medical record. You can send it to us via email or fax.
Learn more about advance care planning
What's the difference between advance care planning and an advance directive?
Advance care planning is about the important conversations that occur before you prepare your advance directive legal document. In other words, advance care planning is the process and an advance directive is the result of that process.
What type of information is in an advance directive?
An advanced directive allows you to:
- Formally name your health care agent and define his or her authority related to your health care decisions.
- Express your wishes related to treatment options.
- Prepare your final thoughts and feelings should you be unable to communicate when the time comes.
- Request any special ceremonies or traditions.
- Share your wishes for post-death care of your body.
What happens if I don't have an advance care plan and an advance directive?
No advance care plan:
Family, friends and your medical team will not have an understanding or an appreciation of your individual wishes related to your current and future health care.
More importantly, if you do not participate in any advance care planning, then you may not have had an opportunity to truly consider your own wishes.
No advance directive:
Without an advance directive, your wishes regarding health care may not be known.
More importantly, there will likely be no one who will have legal authority to make medical or health care decisions on your behalf without the court or legal system getting involved.