Advance care planning
As you age, it is important to plan for future decisions about your medical care and to discuss those decisions with loved ones. Check out these articles to learn more about advance directives, choosing a health care proxy, and other ways to get your affairs in order.
Related topics: Alzheimer’s caregiving, Caregiving, Long-distance caregiving, Long-term care
Advance Care Planning Worksheets
Advance care planning worksheets from NIA can help you discuss and prepare for the future. You can download, print, and copy the worksheets.
Advance Care Planning and Health Care Decisions: Tips for Caregivers and Families
Explore steps that caregivers and family members can take to help a loved one create an advance care plan, serve as a health care proxy, and navigate the health care system.
Five Myths About Advance Care Planning
View an infographic on some common myths of 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.
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.
Getting Your Affairs in Order: Advance Care Planning
View an infographic on advance care planning and steps you can take.
Advance Care Planning: Advance Directives for Health Care
What is an advance directive? How do I set one up? Learn how to decide what health care you would want to receive if you were unable to speak for yourself.
Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare for the Future
Get organized before a medical emergency! Use this checklist to get your legal and financial papers in order. Learn about advance directives, wills, and trusts and review the FAQs to help you get organized.
