It’s a good idea to think about your future care and what you’d like it to be. Advance directives are simply your plan for just that, including for if a time comes when you are unable to communicate what you want. Your doctor is a good resource for helping you think about your decisions. If you already have a plan—great! Be sure to review it at least once a year to make sure you don’t want to change it. And anytime you do change your advance directives, make sure your doctor—and trusted family and friends—have a copy.

Check out peopleshealth.com/advancecareplanning for more tips and resources.