Advanced care planning is an essential part of managing your healthcare. It allows you to communicate your values, preferences, and goals for medical care—especially in the event you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Through advanced care planning, individuals can document important decisions, such as the types of medical treatment they would or would not want, and designate a healthcare decision-maker. This guidance helps healthcare providers deliver care that is consistent with your wishes while supporting families during stressful and emotional situations.
Advanced care planning is not limited to serious illness or end-of-life care. It is a proactive step for adults at every stage of life and an important tool for promoting patient-centered care. When preferences are clearly shared, care teams can focus on what matters most to you.
By starting these conversations early, you strengthen communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers—creating a foundation of clarity, dignity, and trust.
If you’re ready to begin, New Hampshire offers a helpful, easy-to-follow Advanced Care Planning Guide. It includes tools to help you reflect on your wishes, talk with loved ones, and complete important documents.
