— Your plan will only be used if you are unable to communicate when decisions need to be made. If you regain the ability to communicate, the plan is no longer used.

— It is important to share your plans with your loved ones and other important people in your life, even if they are not your appointed decision-maker. That way, everyone is on the same page.

— It is important to select and share your wishes with an agent whom you trust and who can represent you and speak on your behalf if you became seriously ill. We can’t predict every scenario, but we can share our values and the guiding principles so they can confidently make decisions for us. If we don’t say it, they won’t know.

—You can change your choices whenever you want, communicating these changes to your health care agent and alternate, and your documents can be reviewed and updated after this crisis is over.
—If you have no one to appoint as your agent, we can help you think through alternative ways to express your wishes.

—You must take your completed documentation with you to the hospital so doctors will know who to call and the identity and contact information of your healthcare agent since it is unlikely that visitors will be allowed.

—It is advisable to attach to your Healthcare Proxy document a list of your medications, pre-existing conditions, and instructions about specific medical interventions.

—Social distancing measures can make it harder to have your healthcare documents witnessed. WHAT MATTERS can help you with temporary options.

—If you wish to discuss funeral wishes and pre-arrangements, please contact one of our Clergy and/or Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.