Guide Advance Care Planning

Case Description

Robert Bernadini, who has been living in a nursing home for two years as a result of a massive stroke, is now hospitalized with pneumonia, which led to cardiac arrest and resuscitation. He has been on the ventilator in the ICU for more than a week, and he is unable to voice his care preferences. His wife, Julia Romero, now faces tough decisions about the type of care she thinks Robert may want. Watch the video and explore more resources on the benefits to patients and families of advance care planning.

People with serious illness may find themselves in a vulnerable position, where they may not be able to choose between different care options. Advance care planning can help you maintain a voice in your care, even if you become incapacitated and become unable to make decisions for yourself. Advance care planning can also be of great benefit to your doctors and your loved ones when they are faced with making medical decisions for you. Such planning is an opportunity for you to express your wishes and treatment preferences and to examine your values and how you want to live your life. The process can be complicated, and it may include writing down advance directives, such as living wills or durable powers of attorney, and designating a health care proxy.