Advance Care Planning & Advance Directives
Planning in Advance for Future Healthcare Decisions
Valley Health encourages everyone to join the conversation about healthcare decision- making. We want to help you understand how to communicate your healthcare wishes, and choose someone to make decisions for you, if you cannot speak for yourself.
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning (ACP) is the process of preparing for future medical care, particularly if you became seriously ill and/or unable to communicate your wishes. The goal of ACP is to ensure that the medical treatments you receive match your goals and values. It may also help relieve family members of their concerns in making difficult decisions on your behalf.
What is an advance directive, and why is it important?
An advance directive is a form documenting your wishes about future medical care in the event you are unable to express them yourself. You do not need an attorney to help you complete this form. In fact, you can call the number below which corresponds with the nearest hospital in your area to schedule an appointment to complete this form with a trained facilitator.
An Advance Directive includes two important parts:
- Choosing someone to be your voice when you cannot speak for yourself. Make sure whomever you choose knows what is important to you and can honor your wishes. This person is commonly called a health care agent, health care proxy, surrogate decision maker or Medical Power of Attorney.
- Documenting the kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want. This is called your living will. Interested in learning more? Explore the list of resources below.
Click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Contact a Trained Facilitator
Let Valley Health help you with your advance care planning today.
- Hampshire Memorial Hospital – Amanda Harman, MSW, 304-822-2168
- Page Memorial Hospital – Tabatha Keyser, 540-743-8059
- Shenandoah Memorial Hospital - Ruth Wakeman, 540-459-1187
- War Memorial Hospital – Kim Ack, 304-258-6555
- Warren Memorial Hospital – Jo Anne Winschel, 540-636-0264
- Winchester Medical Center – 888-227-8088
Forms
Click here for Advance Directives forms and information from your state:
There are many advance directive forms available. Valley Health can give you a Five Wishes® advance directive form (recognized in 42 states, including VA, WV and MD) when you meet with a trained facilitator at one of our hospitals. We are happy to assist you with beginning these important conversations and completing your forms. You may also want to consider a durable medical order to make your wishes known, such as a DDNR or POLST, which you can mention to your provider at your next medical appointment if you think it might be helpful for you.
Resources
English
Español
- Guía para iniciar la conversación
- Hoja de informacíon sobre las responsabilidades de un apoderado para cuidado médico
- Tarjeta de cartera
- La página web The Conversation Project
The information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult your medical provider or attorney for any specific medical or legal questions you may have.
Click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
National Healthcare Decisions Day
Please visit this website for more information.