Steps to Complete the Life Care Planning Forms

Most people communicate their health care directives by completing forms, such as the Life Care Planning forms, that are tailored to prompt decisions about treatment choices that might be needed. Before you complete these or other health care forms, you should learn and think about what medical treatments you want and do not want in the future. Discuss your choices with your family, loved ones, physician, clergyperson, etc. Also consider who you want to appoint to make treatment decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Although you cannot anticipate all the medical situations that might arise, you can give guidance to your decision-maker, doctor, and family as to your values and choices, so they can respect your wishes if a time comes when you cannot make or express decisions for yourself.

So take a few moments to read about and then follow these easy steps to complete the Life Care Planning forms. This is a gift you can give to yourself and your family. Don’t delay! 

• Step 1: Understanding the law (our legal right to make health care decisions)
• Step 2: Understanding some of the medical choices related to Life Care Planning
• Step 3: Communicating with others about your Life Care Planning
• Step 4: Considering and discussing some questions and topics
• Step 5: Completing the Life Care Planning forms and beyond