Advance Care Planning
Preparing for Your Health Care Needs
Advance care planning is an important part of your health care. While you may be healthy today, it is important to think about your goals and preferences for medical care. Planning now can give you peace of mind that you will receive the care you want in the future.
At University of Vermont Health, we’re here to help you make important decisions about your medical care. We can guide you through the process of advance care planning and communicating your wishes to your providers and your family members.
Advance Directives at UVM Health
Advance directives are legal documents that communicate your preferences for medical care (your “living will”) and identify who should make medical choices for you if you are unable to speak for yourself (your health care proxy or agent).
An advance directive will typically include instructions on:
- Your health care agent, who has been appointed to make medical decisions on your behalf
- Treatment goals for specific conditions (such as severe dementia or brain damage) and the use of lifesaving interventions like CPR, breathing machines and feeding tubes
- Your values and spiritual beliefs as they relate to medical and end-of-life care
- Your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation
- Your preferences for what should be done with your remains
Advance care planning requires careful consideration of your values and wishes and often involves difficult conversations with family members and friends. We're here to support you in making decisions related to your future care. The following resources may help you as you navigate these topics:
In addition to speaking with your providers, you can also request consultations with UVM Health team members in:
- Spiritual Care
- Palliative Care
- Clinical Ethics: You can speak with a Clinical Ethicist by phone at 802-847-4883.
How to Complete an Advance Directive
Completing an advance directive differs by state. Please follow your state guidance below.
- Fill out the appropriate forms from the Vermont Ethics Network.
- Register your advance directive with the Vermont Department of Health's Advance Care Directives Directory (VADR).
- Share your completed advance directive with your providers, making sure that every office or clinic where you receive care has a copy.
- Communicate your health care decisions and guidance for end-of-life care with your family and your primary care physician.
- Fill out the living will form.
- Fill out the health care proxy form.
- Share your completed advance directive with your providers, making sure that every office or clinic where you receive care has a copy.
- Communicate your health care decisions and guidance for end-of-life care with your family and your primary care physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions we receive from patients and families when completing an advance directive.
No, you are not required to have an advanced directive.
Yes. If you are admitted to the hospital, it is important to provide your care team with your advance directive so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding your care.
Yes, you can make changes to your advance directive at any time by completing and submitting a new form.