Making healthcare decisions for yourself or someone who is no longer able to do so can be overwhelming. That's why it's important to get a clear idea about preferences and arrangements while you can make decisions and participate in legal and financial planning together.
Use this checklist to ensure healthcare and financial arrangements are in place before serious illness or a healthcare crisis.

• Start discussions early with your loved one while everyone can still help make decisions.
• Create documents that communicate healthcare, financial management, and end-of-life wishes for yourself and the people you care for, with legal advice as needed.
• Review plans regularly and update documents as circumstances change.
• Put important papers in one place. Make sure a trusted family member or friend knows the location and any instructions.
• Make copies of healthcare directives to be placed in all medical files, including information on every doctor seen.
• Give permission in advance for a doctor or lawyer to talk directly with a caregiver as needed.
• Reduce anxiety about funeral and burial arrangements by planning ahead.

 For more information, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning-health-care-directives