Planning for the Future
To plan for the future, families may find it helpful to complete advance directives.
An advance directive is a legal document that a person signs while he or she is still able to make decisions. The document specifies how decisions about health care will be made in the future if the person is unable to communicate his or her wishes.
There are two kinds of advance directives, a living will and a durable power of attorney.
- A living will conveys the person’s wish to die a natural death and not be kept alive by artificial means.
- A durable power of attorney names someone who can make decisions about health care or finances for the person if he or she is not able to.
For more information on legal and financial planning, visit the Alzheimer’s Association CareFinder or contact your local chapter by calling 800-272-3900.
