Create your own plan<\/strong><\/p>\nNIA\u2019s new email series, Ready, Set, Plan! A Weekly Guide to Advance Care Planning<\/em>, will help you start planning for your future health care over seven weeks.<\/p>\nSign up today!<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n
Knowing what matters most to your loved one can help you honor their wishes and give you peace of mind if they become too sick to make decisions. Unfortunately, only one in three people in the United States has a plan for their future health care in place. There are steps you can take to help your friend or family member navigate future medical decisions \u2014 and to be prepared to make decisions for them, if needed. This is part of advance care planning, which involves preparing for decisions about future medical care and discussing those wishes with loved ones.<\/p>\n
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How to start the conversation about advance care planning<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Share this infographic about steps to take after a dementia diagnosis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOne of the best things you can do as a caregiver is to discuss your loved one\u2019s care and treatment preferences in advance. Starting the conversation early is especially important if the person has been diagnosed with a condition that affects their cognitive health, such as Alzheimer\u2019s disease or another form of dementia. Here are some ways you might start the conversation:<\/p>\n
\nStart simple.<\/strong> Talking about specific medical treatments or decisions can be scary and overwhelming. Instead, try asking about any concerns they may have, what decisions they may need to make, and who they might trust to make decisions for them.<\/li>\nShare what\u2019s important to you.<\/strong> Your loved one may feel more comfortable discussing their preferences if you talk about what matters to you, as well.<\/li>\nRemind them why it\u2019s important. <\/strong>Talk about the benefits of having these conversations and creating an advance care plan. By documenting their wishes, they are more likely to get the care they want, and it can also help loved ones feel less burden, guilt, and depression.<\/li>\nTry to be understanding.<\/strong> After a recent diagnosis or health change, it can be overwhelming and difficult to discuss future health care needs. The person may feel more comfortable talking with someone else such as a doctor or someone in their spiritual community. You can also encourage the person to think about their potential needs\u00a0and plan to discuss them\u00a0another time.<\/li>\nKeep the conversation going.<\/strong> Listen carefully to what the person says and encourage them to continue sharing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf the person is open to creating an advance care plan, you can provide them information on how to get started. It\u2019s possible your loved one may not want to put a plan in place. Still, talking to them about their preferences can help you prepare for future decisions. You may also be able to help prepare in other ways, for example by getting important papers in order.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Advance Care Planning: A Conversation Guide<\/h3>\n\n
Want to learn more about advance care planning? NIA’s guide offers conversation tips, worksheets, and more.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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How to serve as a health care proxy<\/h2>\n Most people ask a close friend or family member to be their health care proxy. A health care proxy is typically responsible for talking with doctors and making decisions about tests, procedures, and treatments if a person is unable to speak for themself. The types of decisions a proxy can make should be outlined clearly in the durable power of attorney for health care, a legal document that names the proxy.<\/p>\n
If someone has asked you to be their health care proxy, it\u2019s important to consider whether the role is right for you. You may have to discuss sensitive topics, make difficult decisions, and advocate on the person\u2019s behalf. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n
\nCan I honor this person\u2019s wishes and values about life, health, health care, and dying? <\/strong>Sometimes this can be challenging if your values are not the same.<\/li>\nAm I comfortable speaking up on the person\u2019s behalf? <\/strong>It\u2019s okay if you don\u2019t know a lot about health care, but it\u2019s important that you are willing to ask questions and stand up for the person.<\/li>\nAre you comfortable dealing with conflict? <\/strong>A proxy may need to uphold the person\u2019s wishes even if other family members, friends, or loved ones don\u2019t agree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you have agreed to be someone\u2019s health care proxy, consider these tips:<\/p>\n
\nTalk to the person about their values.<\/strong> Learn what matters most to them when it comes to life, health care, and dying.<\/li>\nLearn about their current and future health concerns. <\/strong>The more you understand their wishes, the more prepared you will be to make decisions for them when the time comes. Ask if they have any plans in place, like a living will, and walk through it together.<\/li>\nAsk for a copy of their advance directives.<\/strong> This often includes a living will and durable power of attorney for health care forms.<\/li>\nKeep a copy of important information. <\/strong>Make sure to have contact information for the person\u2019s health care providers and family members.<\/li>\nAsk about other considerations.<\/strong> For example, is there anyone other than the medical team that you should talk with when making decisions? Are there spiritual, cultural, or religious traditions the person wants you to consider?<\/li>\nContinue the conversation.<\/strong> Have conversations each year and as major life changes happen, such as a divorce, death, or change in their health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nEven when you have a person\u2019s decisions in writing and have talked about their wishes, you may still face difficult choices or not be able to follow the person\u2019s wishes exactly. Try to reflect on your discussions and do your best to honor the person\u2019s wishes to the extent possible.<\/p>\n
Learn more about the role of a health care proxy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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What to do when your loved one can no longer make decisions<\/h3>\n\n
If your loved one can no longer make their own decisions, you may need to make decisions on their behalf. This can be difficult if you haven\u2019t discussed their preferences before. Even if you have, there may be unexpected situations and decisions that arise. Talking with close loved ones and the person\u2019s health care team can help you prepare and feel more supported when decisions arise. Try to:<\/p>\n