Module 9 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction What is an Advance Care Plan? Importance of an Advance Care Plan Advance Care Plan Components Getting Started on an Advance Care Plan Questions for Your Doctor or Nurse Discussions with Your Doctor or Nurse Making Care Choices as Heart Failure Progresses What to Do with Your Advance Care Plan Changing Your Mind Care for the Caretakers Terms Commonly Used in Advance Care Planning Learn More About Heart Failure

Getting Started on an Advance Care Plan

As part of responsible planning for the future, everyone should make an advance care plan. While it may be difficult to discuss death and dying, everyone benefits by knowing your wishes. Your family and friends may want to know what you are feeling and thinking but may be afraid to ask you. It might be easier if you bring the topic up first. For example, you can trigger a meaningful discussion by saying:

• "I'd like to talk about what you should do in the event of an emergency, especially one involving a cardiac arrest."
  
  
• "It seems like I am more tired than I have been in the past. I'd like to talk about what can be done to make me feel better."
  
  
• "Let's talk about what we can do to make my life easier."
  
  
• "I'd like to talk about the help we will need as my heart failure worsens."
  
  
• "We should explore what kind of support is available when I can no longer take care of myself."