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Advance care planning

Choosing A Health Care Proxy

A health care proxy — also known as a representative, surrogate, or agent — is a person who can make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate these yourself.
Young woman discussing documents with her grandmother

Preparing a Living Will

A living will is a legal document that tells doctors how you want to be treated if you cannot make your own decisions about emergency treatment.
Older couple reviewing documents

What Is Long-Term Care?

It's difficult to predict how much and what type of long-term care you or your family members will need. Be prepared with this guide to long-term care.
Professional caregiver helping an older woman using a walker

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An official website of the National Institutes of Health