A Gift of Clarity and Peace of Mind
Advance Care Planning
“It’s always too early, until it’s too late.”
– The Conversation Project
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is more than just completing documents—it’s about having meaningful conversations that ensure your healthcare choices align with your values, beliefs, and priorities. As a Respecting Choices Advance Care Planning Facilitator and end-of-life doula, I offer Advance Care Planning guidance to individuals, healthcare providers, and corporations, helping to create a culture where thoughtful planning is a standard part of life. Whether you’re preparing for your own future care or supporting patients, employees, or community members, ACP provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, and empowers informed decision-making.
For individuals and families, I facilitate compassionate, personalized discussions to help you reflect on what matters most, choose a healthcare proxy, and document your preferences in a legal document called an Advance Directive. For healthcare providers, I offer training and workshops that enhance communication skills and integrate ACP into patient care. For corporations, I provide employee education on the importance of planning ahead, reducing stress for individuals and their families. No matter the setting, my goal is to make these conversations accessible, approachable, and meaningful.
– Dr. Ira Byock, Hospice & Palliative Care Physician
Many people assume that Advance Care Planning is only for older adults, but the reality is that life is unpredictable. Tragic cases like those of Nancy Cruzan, Karen Ann Quinlan, and Terri Schiavo, who were under the age of thirty illustrate the importance of making healthcare wishes known—no matter your age. Each of these young women experienced sudden medical crises that left them unable to communicate, forcing their loved ones into painful, drawn-out legal battles over life support and end-of-life care. Their stories serve as reminders that documenting your wishes now can prevent uncertainty and ensure that your voice is heard if the unexpected happens.
Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act: Empowering Patients in Healthcare Decision-Making in 1991 as a result. The PSDA is crucial legislation that recognizes and supports the rights of patients to make informed decisions about their medical care, including the right to accept or refuse treatment and the right to advance directives.
Planning ahead is a gift—to yourself, your loved ones, and your community. If you’re ready to start the conversation, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
End-of-Life Doula services are designed to be highly individualized. No two clients require the same level and type of support. Please do not let affordability discourage you from inquiring about our services. We attempt to make End-of-Life doula services available to all who need our care.
MY NAME IS
Joan
and I am passionate about the end-of-life experience.
Having witnessed my parents pass away peacefully at home with their wishes honored, I understand the profound peace that comes from knowing your loved one’s desires are respected. This experience solidified my belief in the power of advance care planning—not just as legal paperwork, but as a meaningful conversation ensuring dignity during life’s most challenging moments.
Despite 92% of Americans agreeing on the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes, only 32% have had these conversations, often leaving families making critical decisions under stress without knowing what their loved ones truly want. Research confirms that documented wishes reduce the emotional burden on family members and decrease the moral distress of medical providers when they understand what matters most to their patients.
Advance care planning isn’t about surrendering control—it’s about preserving your voice when it matters most. Your healthcare directive is a living document that evolves as you do, only coming into play if you cannot speak for yourself.
As an end-of-life doula, I’ve witnessed how this simple act transforms fear into peace, confusion into clarity, and helplessness into empowerment. I’m passionate about this work because I’ve seen families freed from the burden of guessing what their loved one would want, allowing them to be fully present during precious final moments.
When you complete your healthcare directive, you’re making a profound gift to yourself and those you love—creating space for meaningful connection rather than crisis, ensuring that your journey reflects who you truly are and what you genuinely value.
