Care and treatment preferences

Thinking about future care preferences helps record what matters to you if you later cannot speak or decide for yourself. Discuss values, treatment limits and a representative with your doctor and loved ones, record agreements clearly and have them checked against the rules and care practices of Curaçao.

• Worry about what happens with sudden serious illness or when you can no longer speak for yourself.
• Different expectations among the patient, loved ones and healthcare professionals about prolonging life, comfort or place of care.
• Start by writing down what a good day, unacceptable suffering, independence and meaning specifically mean to you.
• Consider who can listen calmly, respect your choices and be available as a representative.
• Make a routine appointment if you want to discuss treatment preferences, resuscitation, a representative or an advance directive.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.