Once you decide to plan ahead, the next question often is: Which documents do I actually need?

Advance directives aren’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding the different options can help ensure your healthcare choices are honored exactly the way you intend.

Living Will: Documenting Your Wishes 

A living will outlines the types of medical treatment you do or do not want if you are unable to communicate.

This may include preferences about:

• Life-sustaining treatments
• Pain management and comfort care
• Interventions during serious or terminal illness

A living will provides clarity for healthcare teams during complex medical situations.

Healthcare Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney 

A healthcare proxy (sometimes called a medical power of attorney) names someone you trust to make healthcare decisions if you cannot.

This person:

• Speaks on your behalf
• Works with providers and care teams
• Makes decisions guided by your wishes and values

Choosing the right healthcare proxy is just as important as the document itself. It should be someone willing and able to advocate for you.

Do You Need Both? 

The answer to this question of often yes.

A living will provides written instructions, while a healthcare proxy allows flexibility if unexpected decisions arise. Together, they give both clarity and adaptability.

When Should You Review or Update Your Advance Directives? 

It’s a good idea to revisit your documents:

• After a major health change
• When family or caregiving situations change
• After life events such as marriage, relocation, or loss
• Every few years, even without changes

Advance care planning is not static. It should reflect where you are now.

Sharing Your Decisions Matters 

An advance directive only helps if people know it exists.

Be sure to:

• Share copies with your healthcare providers
• Give your healthcare proxy access
• Discuss your wishes with family or caregivers

Clear communication helps ensure your plans are followed when they matter most.

Planning Is About Control and Peace of Mind 

Taking time to understand and complete advance directives puts you back in the driver’s seat of your healthcare journey. It’s a meaningful way to protect your voice and relieve others from uncertainty.

Completing advance directives is an important milestone but planning ahead doesn’t stop there.

In upcoming posts, we’ll explore how advance care planning fits into the bigger picture of coordinated care, caregiving support, and navigating healthcare over time. From tips for caregivers to practical guidance on accessing services like transportation and support resources, our blog continues to focus on real‑life questions many people and families face every day.

Healthcare decisions are not made in isolation, and having ongoing support and information can help you feel more confident every step of the way.

Have questions or want more information?
If you’d like to learn more or have general questions about Medicare, you can call SECUR Health Plan at 1.833.76SECUR (1.833.767.3287). TTY callers can use 711. Our team is available to provide information and help answer questions.