Planning Ahead for Health Care
April 17, 2025 | Assisted Living, Benaroya Community Services, Kline Galland Staff, Resources
When it comes to health care, making decisions in advance can bring clarity, comfort, and peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones. That’s the heart of advance care planning—a thoughtful process that helps ensure personal values and care preferences are honored, even when it may be difficult to speak for oneself. With National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, now is the perfect time to start the conversation.
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that allows individuals to reflect on their health care values, discuss preferences with loved ones and medical providers, and document their wishes for future care. It’s not just about end-of-life decisions—it’s about planning for any situation in which someone might not be able to communicate their wishes.
For seniors, advance care planning is especially important. As health needs evolve, ACP helps ensure care aligns with personal goals and priorities, reducing stress for families and caregivers during difficult times. Advance care planning involves several key steps:
- Consider what matters most—comfort, independence, longevity, or quality of life—and how these priorities shape decisions about medical care.
- Select someone you trust to make health care decisions if you are unable to do so.
- Discuss preferences with loved ones and health care providers to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Document and share decisions in advance directives, including living wills or health care power of attorney forms.
It’s important to remember that preferences can change. So, you’ll want to revisit what you’ve decided and update documents as needed.
Starting the conversation
Talking about future health care can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are three ways to make these conversations easier:
- Start with a story. Share an example of a friend or family member who benefited from (or struggled without) advance care planning.
- Use a milestone. Birthdays, holidays, or National Healthcare Decisions Day offer natural opportunities to bring up planning ahead.
- Ask open-ended questions. Questions like “Will you help me think about my future?” can open the door to meaningful discussion.
We believe that every person deserves care that reflects their values and wishes. That’s why we incorporate advance care planning into our services across the continuum of care. Through Kline Galland Home, we provide compassionate support in long-term care, rehabilitation, memory care, and hospice—ensuring comfort, dignity, and alignment with each person’s goals. Our Benaroya Community Services bring home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care directly to individuals in their homes, making it easier to maintain independence while receiving personalized care. Whether it’s managing symptoms, supporting quality of life, or offering comfort in the final stages, Kline Galland’s commitment is unwavering: exceptional care, every day, in every way, for everyone.
Taking the time to plan ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. Once you name what is important to you in your life, it’s easier to ensure that your care supports the life you want.
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Sources: NIA; Prepare for Your Care; The Conversation Project
