It is important to plan ahead because life is unpredictable; planning now will ensure your wishes are known.
Deciding who will be your substitute decision maker is a part of Advance Care Planning. This process takes reflection and communication. It is a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let people know what kind of health and personal care you would want in the future if you were unable to speak for yourself
A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you give someone you trust (called your “attorney”) the right to make decisions for you if something happens and you are no longer able to make decisions on your own.
Two types of Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney for Personal Care – the person you name can make decisions about your health care, housing and other aspects of your personal life (such as meals and clothing) if you become mentally incapable of making these decisions
It can include an “advance directive” -- a document that tells your attorney what you want to happen if you need medical care and are unable to consent or refuse treatment.
Power of Attorney for Property – the person you name can make decisions about your financial affairs (including paying your bills, collecting money owed to you, maintaining or selling your house, or managing your investments)
You don’t have to create a power of attorney, but if something happens to you and you don’t have one, other arrangements will have to be made.
Making decisions for yourself or someone who is no longer able to do so can be overwhelming. It is important to get a clear idea about preferences and wishes while you can make decisions together and participate in legal and financial planning.
Start discussions early, while you can still make decisions and think about what is most important to you, your values, wishes and beliefs.
Create documents that communicate your health care, financial management and end of life wishes. Seek legal advice as needed.
Review your plans regularly and update them as circumstances change.
Put important papers in one place and make sure a trusted family member or friend knows the location and any instructions.
Make copies of health care directives and put them in your medical files (keep information of all doctors seen).
Give permission in advance for a doctor or lawyer to speak directly with a caregiver as needed.
Reduce anxiety by planning funeral and burial arrangements ahead.
