Health New England | Health Matters | Wellness Guide 2019

Health Matters ∞ 29 Important Paperwork ADVANCE CARE PLANNING Make Your Wishes Known Advance care planning gives you the opportunity to make decisions about what care you would or would not want if you become unable to speak for your- self. These discussions can be difficult, whether for yourself, your partner or a parent. Having the conversation early, in a non-urgent setting, may make it easier. The following information may be use- ful in beginning the discussion with fam- ily and caregivers. Advance Directives Advance directives are legal documents that outline, ahead of time, your deci- sions for end-of-life care and medical treatment. Advance directives are made to ensure that your wishes are carried out if you are ever unable to communi- cate with your health care providers. Types of directives: • A health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care authorizes someone (often a family member) as your “proxy” or “agent,” allowing them to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapaci- tated. The health care proxy can be completed in your doctor’s office. • A MOLST (Medical Orders for Life- Sustaining Treatment) is a standard- ized medical orders form, used in Massachusetts, that’s filled out after you talk with your doctor about your overall goals of care. • A living will or similar document gives instructions for treatment. A living will usually states in general terms what treatments a person does or does not want. Other documents that specifi- cally address problems and needs that might arise include The Five Wishes and do-not-resuscitate orders. Completing Advance Directives Advance directives can be documented by your primary care provider (PCP) or attorney, or you can print forms and complete them with your family or care- givers. Once your advance directives are completed, schedule an appointment with your PCP or bring copies with you to your preventive care visit. Also, give a copy to your designated health care proxy, and keep a copy for yourself in a place where others can easily find it. You can change your mind about your ad- vance directives at any time by complet- ing new forms with different instructions. Learn more about advance care planning at: honoringchoicesmass.com nhdd.org massmed.org/healthcareproxy molst-ma.org theconversationproject.org caringinfo.org ADVANCE PLANNING