Advance care planning

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.

Learn about common myths about advance care planning and advance directives.

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.

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.

Learn about advance care planning, including a helpful checklist on arrangements you should make and discuss with family and caregivers.

Being a health care proxy and making end-of-life care decisions for someone you love can be challenging. Learn what to expect.

Caring for a person with dementia at the end of life has special challenges. Help them have good quality of life as they’re dying.

Organ donation is the act of taking healthy organs and tissues from one person and giving them to someone else. Find frequently asked questions about organ donation.

Find out when and how to start making legal and financial plans for someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Advance directive, will, and other terms are defined.

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.