We plan carefully for so many of life's events — weddings, education, retirement — yet we rarely plan for our own medical care. As a result, when a serious illness or emergency arrives, our families may not know what we would have wanted, and that uncertainty causes real confusion and stress. Advance Care Planning is how we change that.
This introduction is based on the presentation Advance Care Planning & Advance Medical Directives — Your Life, Your Choice by Dr. Nakshatra Shetty, Department of Palliative Medicine & Supportive Care. The full slides are available to download below.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance Care Planning simply means thinking ahead about your future medical care, discussing it with your family and doctor, and recording it — so that your wishes are understood and respected even if you cannot express them at the time.
What is an Advance Medical Directive?
An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is the legal document — popularly called a Living Will — in which you write down those future medical wishes. In it you can:
- Accept or refuse particular treatments.
- Choose someone to make decisions for you if you cannot.
Who can make one?
- Anyone above 18 years of age.
- Anyone who is mentally capable of making the decision.
- Not only people who are ill — you don't have to be sick to make one.
When is it useful?
- Serious illness, such as cancer or organ failure.
- Conditions that affect thinking, such as Alzheimer's or coma.
- Emergency situations — whenever you cannot speak for yourself.
What can you decide?
An AMD lets you give direction on specific treatments, including:
- Ventilator support, CPR and feeding tubes.
- Dialysis, surgery and chemotherapy.
- Whether you want full care, limited treatment, or comfort care.
You can also clearly ask for things — pain relief, comfort care, symptom control, and dignified care at the end of life. The focus throughout is quality of life.
Choosing the right decision-maker
If you appoint someone to decide on your behalf, choose a person who:
- Knows you well and understands your wishes.
- Can stay calm in an emergency.
- Is available when needed.
Always choose a backup person as well, in case your first choice is unavailable.
Do you need a lawyer? Can you change it?
A lawyer is not compulsory — a directive can be made with a doctor's guidance, and legal help is available if you want it. And it is never set in stone: you can change it anytime by rewriting and signing again. The latest signed version is the one that counts.
Why it's worth doing
With a directive in place, your wishes are respected, family stress is reduced, unwanted treatment is avoided, and you keep a sense of control and dignity. Without one, families are left confused, painful or unwanted treatments may be given, decisions are delayed, and doctors simply may not know what you would have wanted. Making one brings peace of mind — you feel prepared, and in charge, even when you can't speak.
Your life, your choice
Take the first gentle step with a free, compassionate conversation.