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.