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Advance Care Planning Q&A

Read more about advance directives and how you can make your healthcare wishes known.

Apr 16, 2026

Q: What is advance care planning?

Answer: Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and documenting your end-of-life healthcare preferences before a medical crisis arises.

Q: What is a health care power of attorney?

Answer: A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to choose someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. This person is called your healthcare agent.

Q: What is a living will?

Answer: A living will is a legal document that directs decision making about your end-of-life care preferences.

Q: Why is advance care planning important?

Answer: There are many reasons that advance care planning is important. #1 – when you plan, you get a voice. #2 – you take some of the burden off of your caregiver. #3 – allows your medical care providers to understand your goals of care.

Q: What should I do with my documents?

Answer: Don’t hide them away – provide a copy to share them with your healthcare agent as well as your doctor(s). Ask if your documents can be scanned into your electronic medical record. Once shared, store them in a safe place and review them annually.

 

To download your state-specific advance directive documents, click here.

If you have additional questions about advance care planning, please call us at 336.889.8446.