Why Plan Ahead?
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your personal values and medical wishes are clearly documented brings profound peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.
Reduce Family Burden
In a crisis, family members shouldn't have to guess what you would want. Planning ahead removes the heavy burden of making difficult medical decisions for you.
Honor Your Choices
A solid advance care plan legally ensures that the medical community respects your boundaries regarding life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care.
Key Documents to Consider
In Minnesota, there are a few standard documents used to record your medical wishes.
Health Care Directive
Often known in other states as a Living Will or Medical Power of Attorney. In Minnesota, a Health Care Directive is a single document that allows you to do two main things:
- Appoint an agent (a trusted person) to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot.
- Leave specific written instructions regarding your healthcare goals, fears, and limits on life-sustaining treatment.
POLST
Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment.
Unlike a Health Care Directive, a POLST is a medical order signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It translates your preferences into immediately actionable medical orders that emergency personnel (like paramedics) must follow. It is highly recommended for individuals with a serious illness or advanced frailty.
How CHOSEN Supports Your Planning
Facilitating Conversations
We provide a safe, unhurried space for you and your family to discuss your values and options with our medical social workers and chaplains.
Answering Clinical Questions
Our nurses and physicians can clearly explain what different interventions (like CPR, intubation, or feeding tubes) actually look like in practice, so you can make informed choices.
Documentation Support
We help ensure your completed documents are safely stored in your medical record and communicated clearly to your broader healthcare team.