This 10-step process is focused on healthcare planning only. When it comes to financial matters we recommend talking to an attorney and/or financial planner. If you authorize a person to be your power of attorney we recommend that they too receive an updated copy of your advance directives.
- Research the information you need to make informed choices about end-of-life care.
- Get to know local end-of-life care services that are available to you such as hospice and palliative care providers, nursing homes, home health aide services, and community resources.
- Discuss your thoughts, concerns, and choices with your loved ones.
- Choose a Health Care Proxy who could speak for you if you could not, and who will honor your wishes.
- Talk to your doctor about different treatments and options available to you, including hospice and palliative care.
- Establish advance directives (writing specifically about your wishes and what you want for end-of-life care).
- Talk to your healthcare proxy, family, and doctor about your choices.
- Discuss your choices often, especially when your medical condition changes.
- Keep your completed advance directives in an accessible place where others can get to them.
- Give photocopies of the signed originals to your healthcare proxy, doctor, family, friends, clergy and anyone else who might be involved in your healthcare
For further questions call us at (315) 634-1100.