Special Considerations

Advance Care Planning is a process of planning for future medical care in case you are unable to make your own decisions. It is a communication process and not merely a document.

There are special considerations that different sub-populations need to consider that are different from the general population.  These include:

• Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are a special population whose rights are protected under public health law in New York.  For other states, check out the law in your state government website.
• People who can’t find the right health care agent. Often, older adults are challenged to complete the advance care planning process because they have outlived their family and friends.  However, this has proven to be an obstacle for younger people as well.
• Young adults turning 18 who have the ability to decide should choose a health care agent and complete a health care proxy.