How to plan for your future care
Advance care planning is a part of healthy aging. It’s not just for people facing serious illness. Optum Care offers advance care planning to help you talk with your loved ones and doctor about the care you want if you become too sick to speak for yourself.
One out of every three people will need someone to speak for them at some point. It’s best to be ready. Creating your plan now can reduce stress and give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Start the conversation
Advance care planning starts with a conversation. Talk about your values, wishes and beliefs with your loved ones and doctor.
Talking about this topic can be difficult. Try starting with these phrases:
- "I need your help with something.”
- “I need to think about the future. Will you help me?”
- “I’d like to let you know what I want.”
Choose a health care agent
Once you start advance care planning, you need to select a health care agent to speak on your behalf. Your agent can be a friend or family member who will:
- Be your advocate.
- Talk with your loved ones about your care.
- Make sure your decisions are upheld.
Write down your plan
Put your wishes and choices in writing. This will be used to help make decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself. Share this plan with your loved ones. Be sure to go back and look it over when life changes or you change your mind on something.
Frequently asked questions
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Helpful resources