Sometimes the unknowns in life can feel stressful. For example, chronic or new health conditions, medication side effects, or interactions between prescriptions and over the counter medicines or supplements (tips for taking medicine safely) may cause unexpected illness gradually or suddenly. Having a plan for expressing your health care choices, if you’re unable to communicate them yourself, may help you feel less stressed and more reassured.

However, common myths such as who needs a plan, who can create the plan, and how to document the plan often keep people from talking about and documenting their choices. To start planning or revisit your choices, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides a checklist HERE of advance care planning areas to consider.

Free, advance care planning forms and other related self-study information for Washington State is available in the “Planning Ahead/Seniors” section HERE of the website, www.washingtonlawhelp.org

In Kitsap County, older adults may be eligible for additional, free legal advocacy support and information about specific, non-criminal topics through a partnership with Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Care and Northwest Justice Project (NJP). Click HERE to review a flyer about NJP’s CLEAR (coordinated legal education, advice and referral) service for seniors living in Kitsap County.