Advance Care Planning/Setting Expectations

Ideally, the resident/patient, family members, and physician have discussed treatment options before there is a crisis or emergency. This is called advance care planning, and it’s a way for you and the long term care practitioner to discuss the kinds of care your loved one wants and doesn’t want when he or she becomes seriously ill. It can help ease worries about what might happen to your loved one if a time comes when he or she is unable to make or communicate a decision about medical care or end-of-life issues. This process can help make sure that the family members and their loved one know what to expect at the end-of-life and are able to have peace and comfort during this difficult time.

AMDA physicians in regions throughout the country have information and guidance on this topic. You can listen to practitioners offer insights about what care planning means and how you can be involved in a way that honors your loved one’s wishes and gives everyone an understanding what will happen at the end-of-life.*

Cornelius J. Foley, MD	New York
Barbara L. Hoffmann, MD, MBA, CMD	Pennsylvania
Barbara Messinger-Rapport, MD, CMD	Ohio
Jeffrey Nichols, MD	New York
William D. Smucker, MD, CMD	Ohio
Karl E. Steinberg, MD, CMD	California
*Requires a program that plays MP3 audio files

"Caring for Consumers" clip and copy advice sheets, designed for residents/patients, family members, and future consumers of long term care services, include an introduction to the topic, tips for addressing the issue and enhancing care, a list of questions to ask the physician, and a list of additional resources. Feel free to print and use when speaking to your family and physician.