Advance Care Planning: Making Your Wishes Known
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. For legal or medical advice, always consult a licensed professional.
Thinking about the future — especially future health care needs — can feel uncomfortable. But advance care planning isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making sure your voice is heard, your values are respected, and your loved ones are not left guessing in the middle of a crisis.
Advance care planning means putting your preferences for medical treatment, quality of life, and end-of-life care in writing. It also means having conversations with your family, friends, and health care providers so everyone understands what matters most to you.
Why It Matters
Gives you control: You decide what kind of care you want (or don’t want).
Reduces stress on loved ones: Families won’t have to make tough choices without guidance.
Improves care: Doctors and caregivers can follow your wishes, ensuring treatment aligns with your values.
According to the National Institute on Aging, advance directives are legally recognized documents in every state that tell your medical team what care you want if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Steps to Get Started
Think about your values: What matters most to you — comfort, independence, length of life?
Choose a health care proxy: Select a trusted person to make decisions if you can’t.
Complete advance directive forms: Each state has its own forms, which you can find through your state’s health department or CaringInfo.org.
Use plain-language tools: Many families find the Five Wishes document especially helpful. Created by Aging with Dignity, this easy-to-use booklet goes beyond medical care to cover emotional, spiritual, and personal wishes. It’s available in 29 languages and legally recognized in most states.
Have the conversation: Share your wishes with family, your doctor, and anyone who might be involved in your care.
Review regularly: Life changes, and so should your plan. Update every few years or after major life events.
📌 Did You Know?
Only 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has completed an advance directive (CDC).
Families of people with advance directives report less stress and greater peace of mind during medical crises.
The Five Wishes document is used by more than 40 million people worldwide to share their health care and personal wishes.
A Gift for Your Loved Ones
Many people think advance care planning is only for those who are older or facing illness. In reality, it’s something that benefits everyone, no matter your age or health. Making your wishes known is truly a gift to your loved ones — relieving them of the burden of making hard choices in the dark and giving them peace of mind that they are honoring your voice.
Ready to Begin?
Download the Five Wishes document today or explore advance directive forms for Georgia at CaringInfo.org. If you’d like to talk through options or need help connecting with resources, call SCI at 912-623-0363 or fill out the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch.