A New Year, a Thoughtful Plan: Why Advance Care Planning Matters

We think about what we hope for, what we value and how we want to care for ourselves and the people we love. It is also a meaningful time to consider advance care planning, a thoughtful process that helps ensure your wishes are known and honored if serious illness or injury ever makes it hard to speak for yourself.

Advance care planning is not about expecting the worst. It is about planning with intention, clarity and care. At Hospice of the Western Reserve, we see every day how these conversations can bring peace of mind to individuals and families, even during life’s most uncertain moments.

What advance care planning means

Advance care planning involves talking through and documenting your health care preferences ahead of time. This may include completing a living will, naming a health care proxy and sharing what matters most to you if your health changes.

A living will outlines the types of medical treatment you would or would not want if you are unable to communicate. A health care proxy, sometimes called a health care power of attorney, is a trusted person you choose to speak on your behalf. Just as important are the personal wishes you share with loved ones, including what quality of life means to you, how you define comfort and where you hope to receive care.

These conversations give guidance to families and clinicians who want to honor your values, not make decisions without knowing what you would want.

Why it matters for families

When wishes are not clearly documented or discussed, families may be left to make difficult decisions during times of stress and grief. Advance care planning can ease that burden. It helps loved ones feel confident they are honoring your choices, not guessing or carrying uncertainty.

For many families, having these plans in place opens the door to deeper conversations and shared understanding. It allows space for questions, reflection and reassurance long before decisions are urgent.

Planning at any age

Advance care planning is not just for older adults or those with serious illness. Unexpected events can happen at any stage of life. Starting the conversation early allows plans to grow and change as life evolves.

A new year is a natural moment to begin. You might start by asking simple questions: What matters most to me? Who would I trust to speak for me? What would I want my care to focus on if I became very ill?

How Hospice of the Western Reserve can help

Hospice of the Western Reserve supports advance care planning through education, guidance and compassionate conversation. Our teams help individuals and families understand their options, talk through questions and document wishes with clarity and respect.

Advance care planning is a gift to yourself and to those who love you. It reflects care, dignity and intention. As this new year begins, taking time to plan can offer reassurance that your voice will be heard, whatever the future may hold.

If you are ready to start the conversation or would like support along the way, our team is here to walk beside you.