Some Misconceptions About Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning can feel complicated. Many people are unsure where to start — or have heard things that simply aren’t accurate.
Here are a few common misconceptions, and what you should know.
👉 You need attorney to complete an Advance Directive
No, you don’t. In New Hampshire, people can complete an Advance Directive on their own. You can use the guide from the Foundation for Healthy Communities and complete both a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and a Living Will which are the two parts of an Advance Directive. Once properly signed with witnesses and/or a notary (as required), the document is legally valid.
👉 Your healthcare agent should be a family member?
Not necessarily. Your healthcare agent (also called a proxy or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) can be anyone you trust. The most important qualities are that this person understands your values, is willing to speak on your behalf, and can advocate for your wishes if you cannot speak for yourself.
👉 You should keep your Advance Directive in a safe place like a lockbox or safety deposit.
It should be safe — but also accessible.
A document that cannot be found in an emergency cannot guide your care.
Make multiple copies and share them with:
- Your healthcare agent
- Your medical providers
- Your local hospital (if possible)
- Close family members
- Your attorney (if you have one)
Some people also store a digital copy in their email or cloud storage. The goal is simple: make sure the right people can find it when it matters in any kind of emergency.
👉 Doctors don’t want to talk about dying.
Many clinicians hesitate to bring up end-of-life conversations out of concern that it may feel alarming or discouraging. That doesn’t mean the conversation is unwelcome.
You can take the lead. Ask:
- “What should I expect as this condition progresses?”
- “What decisions might I face in the future?”
- “What would you recommend if comfort becomes my priority?”
These conversations are part of good care.
👉 Once you complete an Advance Directive, you’re finished.
Advance care planning is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing conversation with multiple people.
Revisit your directive:
- After a new diagnosis
- After a major life change (marriage, divorce, death)
- Every few years as your perspective evolves
And most importantly — talk about it. Conversations with the people who love gives them clarity and reassurance about what you value and your wishes if one day they face making decisions for us.