Published August 2025. Updated April 2026.
At Hospice of the Northwest, we believe every person deserves care that honors who they are—body, mind, and spirit. Advance Care Planning is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure your wishes are known, your voice is heard, and your care reflects what matters most to you.
Benefits of Advance Care Planning
- Honors Your Voice and Values
Advance Care Planning gives you the chance to share what matters most—your hopes, your beliefs, and your priorities. By clearly stating and documenting your preferences, you increase the likelihood that healthcare professionals and your family will follow your wishes. - Reduces Moral Distress for Your Loved Ones
During a health crisis, families are often asked to make emotional decisions quickly. Knowing your wishes relieves the burden of uncertainty and helps them confidently care for you the way you would want. Advance Care Planning is often a gift of love and reassurance. - Leads to a Better Quality of Life
Advance Care Planning can help you avoid unwanted hospitalizations and invasive treatments. Healthcare professionals rely on your appointed healthcare agent and advance directive to guide care that brings dignity, comfort, and meaning—so you can live fully and peacefully, on your own terms. - Supports Your Wish to Die Where You Choose
Advance Care Planning increases the probability you will die in your preferred place. For many, being able to die in their own homes or in a comfortable, familiar setting is very important. - Brings Comfort to Your Loved Ones
After your death, your loved ones will find peace knowing they carried out your wishes. This reduces stress, anxiety, and depression during the grieving process, helping them heal with comfort and assurance.
How to Get Started
- Think about what’s important to you.
Use our End-of-Life Values worksheet or try the Go Wish game online. - Talk to your loved ones about your wishes.
Not sure how to start? Download the Conversation Starter Guide. - Choose someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you.
What happens if you don’t choose a healthcare agent? - Fill out the paperwork.
Document your wishes and appoint a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOA-HC) using an advance directive form. - Share copies of your advance directive.
Make sure your DPOA-HC and healthcare providers have a copy, and that someone knows where to find your paperwork in an emergency.
Advance Care Planning Resources
If you are interested in learning more, we host Advance Care Planning classes in various locations throughout the year. Participants learn about Advanced Directives, Health Care Durable Power of Attorney (HCDPOA) and POLST (Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). Check our Events Calendar for a list of dates and locations.
Skagit Regional Health is also hosting an Advance Care Planning workshop in partnership with Stilly Valley Health Connections. Palliative Care providers will be on hand to help guide you through the process.
Advance Care Planning Workshop
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Stilly Valley Health Connections, 3405 173rd Pl NE, Arlington, WA, 98223
Click here for more information or to register online.
Below are a list of helpful tools and resources, including downloadable forms, guides, and links to trusted information about end-of-life planning.
Helpful Links:
- WSMA Advance Directives
- WSMA POLST Program
- The Conversation Project
- End of Life Washington
- Dementia Legal Planning
- Advance Directive for Dementia