Learn about Advance Health Care Directives

Kaiser Permanente Redwood City member Gary Vogel knows from personal experience the value of completing his Advance Health Care Directive and selecting a health care agent who will speak for him if he cannot do so himself.

After one of his best friends passed away from a prolonged illness, Gary decided to consider and document his own future health care wishes “without the urgency and stress brought on by an accident, declining health, or advanced age.” From his perspective, “…it helps your family and loved ones be absolutely clear on your wishes, and reduce stress, anxiety, and grieving because they know your wishes were honored.”

Video: How to choose your health care agent

Life Care Planning is an organized process of communications to help adults think about and discuss goals for future health care decisions that reflect their values and beliefs, and to express those goals in writing. An advance directive is a legal document that states your wishes for future medical care if you become unable to speak for yourself. Once you have completed an advance directive, we recommend you share it with loved ones and provide it to your doctor for your medical record.

We offer Life Care Planning resources, forms, and Health Education classes, which you can find online. Classes are no cost for members.