Your Future, Your Choices
Why Advanced Care Planning Matters
A Proactive Guide to Making Your Healthcare Wishes Known
Advanced Care Planning (ACP) is the process of discussing your healthcare preferences with loved ones and documenting your wishes in legal documents. It ensures your voice is heard, even when you can no longer speak for yourself. Let's start with a plan by reviewing the key items that need to be addressed.
Reflect on Your Values
Consider your beliefs about life, death, and healthcare.
Gather Information
Collect details about your medical history and any relevant family history.
Communicate Your Wishes
Share your decisions with loved ones and healthcare providers.
Make Your Choices Known.
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The People
Choosing your advocate(s) is the most crucial step in Advanced Care Planning. Clarity on roles prevents conflict during stressful times, ensuring your family isn't burdened with making impossible decisions or disagreeing over what you would have wanted.
Consider:
Who all wants to be involved with making these decisions?
Who will have the final say and be the assigned Power of Attorney?
The Documents Checklist
The following list of documents are the foundation of your Advanced Care Plan, ensuring your wishes are legally binding. While the links below are provided for informational examples, we strongly recommend you obtain certified copies of all forms from your family attorney or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to ensure they are properly executed and validated under state law.
Advanced Directives (Living Will)
This is the official record of the Advance Care Planning Process, detailing your medical treatment wishes. Each state has approved forms for this process.
Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Agent)
A legal document naming one person as your health care agent, giving them authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to.
Durable Power of Attorney (Financial / Legal Advocate)
A legal document naming one person to control specific legal, property, or financial matters listed within that document, even if the person becomes incapacitated.
Insurance & Key Financial Documents
Medicare / Medicaid Insurance
Ensure documents are accessible. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 or older. Medicaid is state-administered coverage.
Trusts or LLC Documents
Articles of Organization / Incorporation, Operating Agreement, EIN, etc.
Life Insurance
Contact your provider, or check with a financial advisor or past employer if details are unknown.
Will and Last Testament
Locate a copy of the document or probate file number.
The Organizations
Speak with your family attorney or Certified Public Attorney (CPA) to ensure these documents are in place and filed correctly. If you do not have one, we suggest interviewing several to find one that is a good fit for you and your family's needs.