Make Your Wishes Known
If you become seriously or terminally ill, do your loved ones know what your wishes are for medical care? For spiritual care? For long-term care? Have you designated someone to make these decisions, and are they aware of their responsibilities?

With so many physical, mental, and emotional challenges and decisions that suddenly face a family, the addition of medical decisions can be overwhelming. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process to facilitate discussions about your wishes for future medical treatments in the event you are no longer able to communicate them for yourself.

How does Advance Care Planning assist me and my family?

Identifies a person you trust to make decisions regarding treatment when you are not able and to make these choices according to your wishes.

Helps you and your loved ones consider medical treatment options — before a crisis.

Ensures all those who care for you (physicians and other health-care providers) and those who care about you (family, friends, clergy) are aware of your decisions.

What happens if I do not discuss Advance Care Planning?

Your wishes about medical treatment may not be understood;

Your wishes may not be followed;

Your physician may not know your preferences for treatment;

Your family may not make the same choices you would for your care.

Advance Directives and The Massachusetts HealthCare Proxy
An Advance Directive is a legal document that speaks for you in the event you are unable to communicate your choices for the end-of life-care. Until recently, the most recognized document in Massachusetts was the Health Care Proxy.

Five Wishes, offered through HospiceCare, is another advance directive that is more comprehensive than the Health Care Proxy and is recognized in 35 states, including Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
How We Can Help
A Matter of Choice

A Matter of Choice, a program offered by HospiceCare in the Berkshires, introduces you and your loved ones to issues surrounding end-of-life decision making. A Matter of Choice offers information and assistance with Advance Care Planning, including Five Wishes, to help people cope with the emotional and practical impact of serious illness. Short-term, supportive counseling is also offered to those struggling with illness and the choices to be made related to health care.

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 413-443-2994 or 413-528-4786.

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