Life happens. Tomorrow, who knows what will be. At some point down the road, we are all likely to need assistance caring for ourselves. It’s wise to be prepared for life’s curve balls. Here’s a roundup of things to think about and some of the ways you might plan ahead.
Paperwork
- Here’s why you need an advance directive: a health care proxy and living will
- Get yourself a health care proxy and living will
- Do you need a POLST, Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment?
- You also likely should have a durable power of attorney
- Get your affairs in order
Medical help
- What care do you want if you become seriously ill? Talk to your doctor
- Get your free Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and talk to your doctor about end-of-life wishes
- Talk to your health care proxy, your child or trusted friend, about your end-of-life wishes
- Three things to consider about end-of-life care
- Two tips for keeping your emergency care costs down
- Plan ahead for a hospital visit: Talk to the people you love about these seven important items
Care
- Will you want palliative care or curative care?
- Where will you live as you age?
- Keeping your home safe if you want to remain there as you age
End-0f-life choices, funerals and stuff:
- VSED, an end-of-life choice
- Tips for choosing a funeral home
- New Zealanders join coffin clubs to plan their funerals
- What to do with your stuff?
