Advanced Care Planning

Many will face difficult medical decisions at some point in their lives. For some, these decisions will come at a time when they are unable to speak for themselves. Creating an advanced care plan (also known as a health care directive, living will or durable power of attorney) eases the decision-making process for loved ones and ensures that an individual’s wishes are respected if a situation such as this ever happens.

Partnering with Honoring Choices Minnesota, St. Luke’s has trained facilitators on staff to assist with having meaningful conversations about patients’ values and personal healthcare choices. For information about advanced care planning talk to your hospice team or call 218.249.6100.

Additional Resources:

Advanced Care Planning Workshop at St. Luke’s: Learn more about advanced care planning with this class on the St. Luke’s main campus.

Advanced Care Planning Documents: The Minnesota Board on Aging explains the main documents that serve as advanced directives.

End of Life Planning– Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides information for end of life planning specific to Wisconsin residents

Financial Powers of Attorney Info – Minnesota: The Minnesota Attorney General explains what financial power of attorney is, why it should be used, how to create it and other information.

Financial Powers of Attorney Form – Wisconsin: This form from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services allows you to plan for future financial decision-making.

How to Start Advanced Care Planning: Honoring Choices Minnesota offers a list of suggestions on how to start the process of creating an advanced care plan.

POLST and Advanced Care Planning– Minnesota: General information about the Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program in Minnesota and Advanced Care Planning.

Probate Info – Minnesota: The Minnesota Attorney General explains what probate is, why it’s necessary and other information.

Probate Info – Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Court System explains what probate is, as well as provides information on necessary procedures, forms and other resources.