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The best time to make decisions about your healthcare is while you are able to consider your wishes carefully and discuss them with your doctors, caregivers, loved ones and family members. Advance care planning is a thoughtful process to plan for future healthcare choices and putting those decisions in a written document called an advance directive.
An advance care plan can include:
- Living Will: A simple statement asking for no heroic care in the event that the person is terminally ill
- Medical Directive: A set of instructions based on likely scenarios of illness, goals of care, and specific treatments
- Durable Power of Attorney: A formal legal statement naming the person that you wish to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
By establishing an effective plan, you can ensure your wishes will be honored while giving your loved ones peace of mind in the event that they need to make important medical decisions on your behalf. Below are several resources for developing your own advance care plan. Please keep in mind that every state is different, so consult your attorney and/or physician if you have any questions or specific concerns.
Georgia Advance Directives Planning Packet
Put It In Writing brochure (American Hospital Association)
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