Thinking about future health care decisions isn’t always easy—but having the right resources can make the process feel much more manageable.
As part of our ongoing commitment to helping individuals and families prepare for the future, JFS is pleased to share educational resources on advance care planning. This information is provided in part through funding from the Parmenter Foundation, whose support helps us connect our community with trusted tools and guidance for making informed decisions about future care.
If you’ve been putting off advance care planning because you’re unsure where to begin, the National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) Advance Care Planning: A Conversation Guide is an excellent place to start. Designed for individuals and families, this free guide breaks down what can seem like an overwhelming topic into practical, thoughtful steps that anyone can follow.
Rather than focusing solely on legal documents, the guide emphasizes what matters most: having meaningful conversations about your values, goals, and preferences before a medical crisis occurs. It encourages you to think about questions such as:
What matters most to you if you become seriously ill?
Who would you trust to make health care decisions if you couldn’t speak for yourself?
Have you shared your wishes with the people who may one day need to advocate for you?
The guide also includes conversation starters, worksheets, and explanations of important topics such as health care proxies, living wills, and advance directives. These tools can help individuals feel more confident discussing difficult subjects with loved ones and health care providers. Research shows that people who have these conversations and document their wishes are more likely to receive the care they want while reducing stress and uncertainty for family members during difficult times.
One of the most valuable aspects of the NIA guide is that it reminds us advance care planning isn’t a one-time event. As our lives, health, and priorities change, our plans should evolve as well. Revisiting these conversations periodically helps ensure that your wishes continue to reflect what matters most to you.
At JFS, we believe that planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those who care about you. Whether you’re just beginning to think about advance care planning or you’re ready to update existing documents, having a trusted resource can make all the difference.
Ready to take the first step? Download the National Institute on Aging’s free Advance Care Planning: A Conversation Guide and begin the conversation today.
You can access it here: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning.