Advance Planning

Making plans and communicating them is absolutely necessary to ensure we get what we want – and avoid enduring anything we don’t – at the end of life, even if we’re unable to speak for ourselves.

Compassion & Choices offers a variety of resources right here to help you through the necessary steps, and our EOLC staff can even assist you with them.

Your Advance Directive

Learn about and complete these essential planning documents now.

Alternative Families Resources

Prepare for the additional barriers faced by unmarried couples and families who don’t meet traditional definitions.

Did You Know?

You do not need a lawyer to fill out an advance directive.  Your advance directive forms become legally valid as soon as you sign them in front of the required witnesses.

Even if you have completed an advance directive, you should review it periodically to ensure you are using the most current, state-approved forms, and that they still reflect your wishes.  If you have any questions, call our toll-free number for assistance at (800) 247-7421.

There’s More You Can Do

1. Get social

Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

2. Get current

Sign up for the Compassion & Choices mailing list to stay up-to-date on the state and federal policy issues around the end-of-life movement.

3. Play the game

The Healthcare Decisions Game  proves how well have you communicated your end-of-life wishes to the important people in your life. First, take the Quiz for You. Then, give the Quiz for Family, Physician or Healthcare Agent  to everyone who should know – you may be surprised at their score!

4. Tell us your story

Have you had an end-of-life conversation with your loved ones? Did a loved one have the conversation with you? We’d love to hear about it. Send your story.