When it comes to planning for emergencies, most families focus on finances or insurance. But one of the most important things every adult should do is make sure they have legal documents in place to protect their healthcare choices—and ease the burden on loved ones.
Advance care planning isn’t just for older adults. Whether you’re 18 or 85, having your healthcare preferences written down and naming someone to speak for you can make a world of difference if something unexpected happens.
Here’s what every adult family member should consider:
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Living Will (Advance Directive)
A legal document that states what kind of medical care you would or wouldn’t want if you couldn’t communicate. This includes:
- Life support
- Artificial nutrition or hydration
- Pain management
- Organ donation
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Healthcare Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney
This legal form lets you choose someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to do so. It could be a spouse, sibling, adult child, or close friend.
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MOLST or POLST Forms (When Medically Appropriate)
These are medical orders signed by a doctor, based on your wishes. They are most appropriate for people who are seriously ill or near the end of life and want to make specific choices about emergency treatment, such as CPR or intubation.
Why It Matters for Families
- It ensures everyone’s wishes are known and respected
- It reduces stress and guesswork for loved ones during a crisis
- It promotes important conversations across generations
- It helps medical providers give care that aligns with your values
A Family Call to Action
If you’re reading this, consider making it a family goal to complete advance care documents for every adult.
Start by:
- Talking openly about values and preferences
- Choosing and notifying a trusted decision-maker
- Completing and sharing the documents with healthcare providers
Advance care planning isn’t just about preparing for the worst. It’s about giving yourself and your family peace of mind, clarity, and control.
Make it a priority. Make it a gift. Make it part of your family’s plan.
At Healthcare Pathfinder, we help create peace of mind for our clients.