Advance Care Planning
Whether you’re planning for your own future care or caring for an aging loved one, having the right resources and support is essential. This guide provides valuable information about steps you can take now to help you be prepared for managing medical and legal decisions for yourself or a loved one.
This is vitally important because Southcoast Health doctors and nurses cannot share information with anyone other than a patient’s healthcare proxy if the patient cannot grant permission themselves.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning helps you make decisions today about your future healthcare in case you are unable to communicate your wishes. Doing so now can help alleviate stress and doubt about important care decisions and allows you time to think about your values, discuss your preferences with loved ones, and document your choices in legal forms, such as:
Advance Directives. These are legal documents that outline your healthcare preferences, designate a healthcare proxy, and provide instructions for medical care in the event you cannot communicate your own wishes. Should you have any questions or need further clarification on this process, your Southcoast Health Primary Care Physician is a great place to start. Be sure to bring your questions with you to your next visit.
Advance Directives for Healthcare
Healthcare Proxy. Making healthcare decisions for yourself or a loved one can be challenging, especially in times of crisis. For yourself or a loved one in your care, a healthcare proxy – known as Durable Power of Attorney in Rhode Island – is a document that allows you to appoint one or more people to make medical decisions on your behalf and ensure you are treated according to your wishes, values and beliefs. The form is easy to complete and does not need to be notarized, but the form MUST be dated. Make sure you upload your healthcare proxy form to MyChart to ensure your providers know your wishes and who may communicate and make decisions on your behalf.
Massachusetts Healthcare Proxy Form and Instructions
Rhode Island Durable Power of Attorney Form and Instructions
Tip Sheet: Uploading Your Healthcare Proxy to MyChart
Living Will. A living will ensures you get the care you want if you become seriously ill and are unable to communicate your wishes. It specifies the types of medical treatments you do or do not want and may provide instructions to medical providers about life-sustaining treatments.
Caring for an Aging Loved One
Caring for an aging loved one can be challenging, requiring emotional, physical and financial support. Fortunately, a variety of resources are available to help you navigate this journey. Click on the links below to get started and find the help you need as a caregiver.
Getting Started With Caregiving
Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
Services for Older Adults Living Independently
Caring for You
As a caregiver, prioritizing your own wellbeing is essential to providing the best care for others. Taking breaks, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough rest and seeking emotional support can prevent burnout and minimize stress. Connecting with support groups, setting boundaries and asking for help when needed are important ways to take care of you. Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary to be at your best for you and your loved one.
Infographic: Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver
Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities
Start the Conversation
You can’t plan for everything, but you can talk about what matters most to you with the people who matter most. When it comes to your health, it’s important to clearly communicate your wishes for how you want to be treated and the decisions you want to make about your care – especially if you are unable to speak for yourself. Click here for a free conversation-starter guide.
Additional Resources:
Massachusetts Councils on Aging
Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging