Advance Care Planning Tools & Resources

Talking About Advance Care Planning

While sudden changes in your life, such as you or a loved one being involved in an accident or becoming seriously ill, can be hard to prepare for emotionally, there are ways to ensure that you receive the type of compassionate care you want – when you need it most.


The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California (CCCC) encourages you to talk to your loved ones now about your wishes for medical care and treatment in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. Planning ahead for future medical needs is the best way to ensure that your wishes will be respected.

If you’re not sure how to have these difficult conversations, don’t know where to begin or what form to use, here are some resources that can assist you:

Conversation Tools

Advance Directive Forms

Advance Directive FAQs/Instructions

POLST: Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Healthcare Agents and Surrogate Decision Makers

Decision-Making Capacity

Related Laws and Regulation

Recursos Sobre Directivas Adelantadas De Atención De La Salud

Medicare Reimbursement for Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning Tools and Resources List