What Do You Want in Your Healthcare?
A Personal Reflection Checklist
Your Values and Priorities
☐ What matters most to me when it comes to my health?
☐ What does “quality of life” mean to me?
☐ Do I value independence, comfort, longevity, or clarity — or a balance of these?
☐ How do my cultural, spiritual, or personal beliefs shape my healthcare decisions?
Your Medical Care Preferences
☐ Do I want aggressive treatments, or do I prefer comfort-based care if I’m seriously ill?
☐ How do I feel about hospitalization, surgery, or long-term medications?
☐ Are there specific treatments I would want—or want to avoid?
☐ How much do I want to know about my condition or prognosis?
Communication and Decision-Making
☐ Do I want to be fully involved in every decision, or do I prefer to trust my care team?
☐ Who do I trust to speak for me if I can’t speak for myself?
☐ Have I had conversations with my loved ones about my wishes?
☐ Do I feel heard and respected by my current providers?
Your Advocacy and Support
☐ Do I feel confident asking questions and advocating for myself?
☐ Do I know how to access a patient advocate, social worker, or care coordinator?
☐ Would I benefit from a second opinion or additional support navigating care?
Your Planning Documents
☐ Have I completed an advance directive or living will?
☐ Do I have a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare?
☐ Are these documents shared with my loved ones and care team?
☐ Have I reviewed or updated them in the past year?
Your Overall Well-Being
☐ How is my mental and emotional health being addressed?
☐ Do I feel safe, seen, and cared for in my healthcare settings?
☐ What would help me feel more empowered in my health journey?
☐ Am I making space for rest, reflection, and healing—on my own terms?
Final Thought:
Your healthcare should reflect your values—not just your diagnoses.
The more you understand what matters to you, the more confidently you can shape your care.