Advance Care Planning | Riverside Health l Southeastern VA
Advance Care Planning: Ensure Your Health Care Wishes Are Known
Advance Care Planning is for every adult—regardless of age or health status. It’s a powerful way to make sure your personal values and health care decisions are honored if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. Riverside Health is here to help you take the next step in preparing for the unexpected.
Advance Care Planning
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Care Planning
There are a number of forms and resources available to help you and your loved ones document your wishes for end-of-life care, and to designate a surrogate decision maker in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself.
Understanding Life-Sustaining Treatments
Life-sustaining treatments are used to keep you alive when your body can’t function on its own. These can include:
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Chest compressions or medications to restart your heart or breathing
- Intubation (DNI orders): A breathing tube to help you breathe
- Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Medical feeding and fluids if you can’t eat or drink
Tips for Managing Your Advance Directive
- Share copies with your health care agent, family, and your medical providers.
- Bring a copy to the hospital.
- Store it in a safe but accessible place—avoid lockboxes or safes that others can’t open.
- Update your documents as your health or wishes change, and make sure others are aware of the updates.
Start the Conversation Today
Advance Care Planning brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Take the first step toward making your health care wishes known.
👉 Get started with the resources you need here.
📄 For questions about completing your advance directive talk to your Primary Care Physician or call Riverside Nurse. 800-675-6368
Understanding Advance Care Planning with Riverside’s Dr. Shivers
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