Caregiver Resources
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.
Healthcare Proxy Documents
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning lets you make healthcare decisions now in case you can’t communicate them later. It helps reduce stress for loved ones and gives you time to reflect on your values, share your wishes, and document them in legal forms such as:
- Advance Directives are legal documents that state your healthcare wishes, name a proxy, and guide care if you can’t speak for yourself. For questions, talk with your Southcoast Health Primary Care Physician at your next visit.
- Healthcare Proxy lets you appoint someone to make medical decisions if you can’t. Known as a Durable Power of Attorney in Rhode Island, it ensures your care aligns with your wishes and values. The form is simple, doesn’t need notarization, but must be dated. Upload it to MyChart so your care team knows your preferences.
- 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.
Your Role as a Caregiver: Supporting the Ones You Love
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.
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.
