Making Medical Decisions

Planning your health care goals and preferences 

As you get older and your health needs become more complex, you will face important decisions about your care. These may include day-to-day priorities for maintaining your quality of life, setting long-term health goals and deciding how you want end-of-life care to be handled. 

At Banner Health, we’re here to help you understand your options so you can make informed choices that align with your values. 

Talking about goals and preferences with caregivers 

Conversations about your health care wishes can be difficult, but they are an important step in making sure your care reflects what matters most to you. These steps can help guide the discussion: 

Step 1: Identify what matters most to you 

Consider the four main components of life: 

• Connecting with people: family, friends, community, spirituality or religion 
• Managing health: reducing pain and fatigue, feeling your best 
• Enjoying life: hobbies, recreation, learning, personal growth 
• Functioning: staying independent and able to care for yourself 

Step 2: Set meaningful health goals 

Think about what you hope to achieve with your health care. Goals should be: 

• Based on your values 
• Specific and realistic 
• Flexible and adaptable over time 

Step 3: Decide what steps you’re willing to take 

Ask yourself: Would you add more medications if it meant you could be more active? Would you adjust your diet, quit smoking, or see your doctor more often to reach your goals? Be honest about what feels realistic for you. 

Communicating your wishes with health care providers 

Once you’ve identified your goals and preferences, share them with your health care team. Open communication ensures that your care plan supports what’s most important to you. 

Here are some tips: 

• Talk openly: Share what’s working and what isn’t. Let your doctor know what you need to reach your goals. 
• Ask questions: Understand how treatments may affect your overall health and quality of life. 
• Be specific: Instead of saying “I don’t like this medication,” explain why—for example, “This medication makes me dizzy and weak.” 

Advance directives 

Advance care planning allows you to make medical decisions ahead of time, giving peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. These preferences are written in a legal document called an advance directive, which guides your family and providers if you’re unable to speak for yourself. 

Your advance directive may include decisions about: 

• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) 
• Ventilator use 
• Artificial nutrition or feeding tubes 
• Palliative care 
• Hospice care 

You’ll also name a health care power of attorney, a mental health care power of attorney, and complete a living will. Once finalized, share your documents with both your family and your care team. 

Find more information about advance directives. 

Legal and financial planning for dementia and other serious illnesses 

If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or another illness that affects decision-making, it’s important to update your legal and financial plans as soon as possible. 

Because laws vary by state and life events (such as divorce or relocation) can complicate your plans, meeting with an elder law attorney can help. They can: 

• Explain state laws and options 
• Prepare and maintain key documents 
• Ensure your wishes are legally protected 

Find advance directive forms by state. 

Medicare and advance care planning 

Medicare covers certain advance care planning services as part of your annual wellness visit and sometimes during treatment. Learn more at Medicare.gov. 

Resources for caregivers 

If you are making decisions on behalf of a loved one, Banner Health offers helpful tools and resources to support you in your role. We’re here to walk alongside you as you navigate these important responsibilities.