Advance Care Planning is for everyone. It is thinking about the type of healthcare you would and would not want in the future if you had a sudden or terminal illness and could no longer make your own healthcare decisions. Advance Care Planning can help you think about these “what ifs,” discern what care is best for you, and then document your wishes in a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will. Advance Care Planning can minimize confusion and give your family peace of mind at a difficult time.
Imagine you are in the intensive care unit of a hospital following a serious accident or injury. Or you’ve just suffered a major stroke or heart attack. Despite the best medical care, your doctors believe you are not going to live; or if you do live, you will not be able to recognize or interact with your family and friends. Would your loved ones know your preferences for care?
What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is the person(s) you select to make decisions for you if you are no longer able to make them due to an injury or illness. You can also select an alternate POA to provide support to your primary POA. Designating an alternate is not mandatory, but can prove helpful.
There are two types of Power of Attorney:
- Financial Power of Attorney is the person you select to handle financial matters and decisions on your behalf.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney is the person you select to make healthcare decisions for you.
Living Will
A living will is a legal document that provides instructions about the type of treatment you want and do not want in the future when you are no longer able to make decisions or speak for yourself.
Steps to Advance Care Planning
- Identify and document your Healthcare Power of Attorney (HC POA).
- Reflect on your values and beliefs, and determine what “living well” means to you.
- Consider any cultural, religious, spiritual or personal beliefs that might influence your decisions.
- Reflect on and document your choices for healthcare.
- Make your documents legal by signing them and having two witnesses sign.
- Share your decisions with your HC POA.
Advance Care Planning Forms
Thinking about this can be overwhelming, but we are here to help you. An Advance Care Planning facilitator can help you think through your goals and values, and assist you in selecting your HC POA and completing your living will.
Schedule an appointment with an Advance Care Planning facilitator today.
Toll Free: (833) 526-6050
Baton Rouge area: (225) 526-6050
AdvanceCarePlanning@fmolhs.org