5 P.M. INTERVIEW: Advance Care Planning

Mayo Clinic Health System is getting the word out about advance care planning.

An advance directive is document containing your wishes for end-of-life treatment options. It also identifies who can make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to.

End-of-life decisions can be difficult, and an advance directive is one way to ease some of the decision-making burden for your loved ones.

You can get one from your primary care provider, by searching “advance care planning” on the website or by calling 715-464-7342.

You will need the form signed by two witnesses, they cannot be your health care provider, a relative, or the person named as you power of attorney.

You should give copies to your health care provider, your health care agent, and your lawyer, and keep a copy for your records