Making healthcare decisions:
·  Start discussing plans early with your Veteran while they are still able to help make decisions.

·  Create documents that communicate healthcare, financial management, and end-of-life wishes for your Veteran, with legal advice as needed.

·  Review plans regularly, and update documents as circumstances change.

·  Put important papers in one place. Make sure a trusted family member or friend knows the location of any instructions

·  Make copies of healthcare directives to be placed in all medical files, including information on every doctor seen.

·  Get permission in advance for a doctor or lawyer to talk directly with you as a Caregiver, as needed.

·  Reduce anxiety about funeral and burial arrangements by planning ahead.