Advanced care planning

Involves learning, planning and communication about the types of decisions that might need to be made about end-of-life or aggressive treatments if one becomes ill. Consideration of an individual’s values and preferences are an essential aspect of decision making. Letting others know about preferences is important so having an advanced directive provides the written statement of an individual's preferences. 

National Institutes on Aging (2015). Advanced care planning. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/advance-care-planning