Advance care planning is one of the most caring and vital things you can do for yourself and your family. More than just choosing between full code or DNR, this comprehensive service helps you explore your values, preferences, and medical wishes deeply, ensuring your care aligns with your quality of life goals.
Why Advance Care Planning Matters
Advance care planning is an important, caring step anyone can take to protect their future health decisions and ease the burden on loved ones. It helps you think deeply about your values, preferences, and medical wishes—so your care matches what matters most to you.
Everyone age 18 and older benefits from having up-to-date advance directives. While you might be healthy now, accidents or sudden illness can happen without warning. Clear, current documents ensure your voice is heard, even if you can’t speak for yourself later. Without clear directions, families often face confusion and stress during emotional crises.
What Our Comprehensive Planning Covers
At Compassion Crossing, we go far beyond simple checkboxes. Our thorough process explores challenging but essential questions to truly understand your desires, values, and what quality of life means to you.
Medical Decision Areas We Explore:
- Code Status and Interventions: Full code, limited interventions, or comfort care only; preferences about antibiotics, IV fluids, feeding tubes, CPR, intubation, and artificial life support
- Dialysis Decisions: Whether dialysis would be desired, preferred type, under what circumstances, and duration of treatments
- Pain and Symptom Management: Preferences for maximum comfort even if sedated vs. maximum participation without sedation
- Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED): Discussion about this choice and legal considerations
- Palliative Sedation: Acceptability and conditions for palliative sedation
- Dementia Directives: Wishes related to cognitive decline and advanced dementia
- Mental Health Directives: Instructions for psychiatric care and treatments
Essential Documents We Help You Prepare:
- Advance directive documents, including living wills and healthcare power of attorney
- POLST/MOST forms, if applicable
- Durable power of attorney forms
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Emergency contact lists
Why Choose Compassion Crossing for Advance Care Planning?
You don’t need an attorney to create valid living wills or powers of attorney. I help you complete these critical legal documents clearly and affordably—without costly lawyer fees.
Picking up forms from a hospital or online might seem quick, but many facilities still use outdated forms that don’t reflect current laws or medical choices. Also, hospital forms often miss deep discussions about your values around treatments like breathing support, dialysis, and pain management.
At Compassion Crossing, I offer thoughtful guidance and education on these complex decisions. This helps you make informed choices based on what truly matters to you—all in a relaxed, unrushed setting where your questions are welcomed.
Take the Step Today
Protect your wishes and bring peace to yourself and those you love.
We offer sliding scale fees so families can get the support they need, no matter their budget. See our pricing options here.
Schedule a free conversation to begin your advance care planning journey.
You don’t have to face these decisions alone. Compassion Crossing is here to guide you every step of the way.