Navigating the world of long-term care and advance care planning can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics can empower you to make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan for the future with confidence.

What is Long-Term Care? Long-term care refers to a variety of services designed to support individuals who can no longer independently manage daily activities due to health or personal care needs. These services can be provided at home or in facilities like nursing homes or assisted living communities. The goal is to help individuals live as independently and safely as possible, tailored to their unique needs.

How is Long-Term Care Paid For? Paying for long-term care can involve several options, depending on your financial situation and eligibility:

• Private Pay: Using personal savings or income.

• Medicaid: A government program for those who qualify based on income and assets.

• Medicare: Offers limited coverage for short-term care, not typically for long-term needs.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Policies specifically designed to cover care costs.

• Other Options: Reverse mortgages (for those 62+), life insurance policies, annuities, or trusts.

• Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans may access services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Exploring these options early can help you plan effectively and avoid financial strain later.

What is Advance Care Planning? Advance care planning involves thinking about and documenting your preferences for medical care in case you become unable to make or communicate decisions due to serious illness or injury. This process includes discussing your values and wishes with loved ones and healthcare providers, then formalizing them in legal documents to ensure your preferences are honored.

What Are the Key Documents in Advance Care Planning? Two essential documents form the backbone of advance care planning:

• Living Will: A written document that outlines your preferences for medical treatments and care you would want or want to avoid under specific conditions if you are unable to make decisions. It focuses on life-sustaining treatments.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: A legal document where you name a trusted person (your health care proxy, representative, surrogate, or agent) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate them yourself. Other important medical orders that can supplement advance directives, particularly in emergencies, include Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Do Not Intubate (DNI), Do Not Hospitalize (DNH), and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) forms.

How Do I Choose a Health Care Proxy? When choosing a health care proxy, select someone you trust who understands your values and wishes regarding medical care. Consider the following:

• Are they willing and able to take on this responsibility?

• Can they honor your wishes, even under pressure?

• Are they comfortable advocating on your behalf and handling potential conflicts with family or healthcare providers? You can also name an alternate proxy in case your primary choice is unavailable.

Can Advance Directives Cover More Than Just Medical Treatment? Yes, while a living will primarily focuses on life-sustaining treatments, advance directives can also include preferences for other care and treatment decisions, as well as wishes regarding organ and tissue donation or brain donation. Separate documents, such as a will for distributing your estate, a durable power of attorney for finances, or a living trust, typically address financial matters. Planning for funeral and burial or cremation arrangements can also be part of comprehensive planning.

How Often Should I Review and Update My Advance Directives? Advance directives are living documents that should be reviewed and updated regularly, ideally at least once a year. It’s especially important to revisit them after significant life events, such as:

• Retirement

• Moving to a different state

• A major change in health

• A change in family status Regular updates ensure your directives reflect your current wishes and circumstances.

Why is it Important to Have Advance Directives, Even if I’m Currently Healthy? Even if you’re in good health, unexpected events like a car accident or sudden illness could leave you unable to communicate your medical wishes. Having advance directives in place ensures your preferences are known and respected, preventing difficult decisions from being made during a crisis. It also allows you to choose who will make decisions on your behalf if needed, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

By understanding long-term care and advance care planning, you can take proactive steps to secure your future and ensure your wishes are honored. Start the conversation with your loved ones and healthcare providers today to create a plan that reflects your values and needs.