It’s no secret that our health changes throughout our lives. As our health changes, so do our healthcare needs. Whether you’re anticipating the natural effects of aging, managing a chronic condition, or simply wanting to stay prepared for the future, it’s important to plan ahead.

Being proactive about your future health needs can help you maintain independence, reduce stress, and make sure your wishes are respected. This basic guide can help you plan for your future health needs, with tips to help you make informed decisions.

Start by Assessing Your Current Health

The first step in planning for your future health is to assess your current health. Are you currently managing a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure? Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? Are there any hereditary conditions in your family that may become a concern later in your life? Keeping your health record up to date and having regular appointments with your primary care provider can help you monitor your health and identify potential risks early.

You will also want to think about your current lifestyle. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress can have long-term benefits for your overall wellbeing. By making healthy decisions now, you can reduce your risk of developing certain health problems in the future.

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Have Important Conversations with Your Loved Ones

It’s not always easy to talk about future health concerns, but discussing your wishes with family members can prevent stress and confusion later. Take time to really share your preferences for healthcare, medical interventions, and even end-of-life care.

Make sure you also clearly communicate your preferences regarding treatment in the event of a major illness or injury. For example, you may want to discuss whether you’d prefer aggressive treatments or more comfort-focused care if your health declines. Having these conversations early (and often) can help your loved ones respect your wishes and support you when you need it.

Create Advance Directives

Advance directives—such as living wills and power of attorney for healthcare—are legal documents that contain your medical preferences in the event where you might not be able to make decisions for yourself.

A living will specifies the types of medical care you want—or don’t want—in situations where you’re unable to communicate, such as being on life support or in a coma. Power of attorney for healthcare allows you to designate a trusted family member or friend as your healthcare representative, which means they can make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Having advance directives in place guarantees that your health care wishes are followed and reduces the burden on your family to make difficult decisions during an already stressful time.

Financial Planning for Future Health Care

Planning for future health care isn’t just about deciding what treatments you might want—it’s also about preparing financially.

  • Health Insurance: Review and familiarize yourself with your health insurance benefits. Make sure it covers services you need or may need in the future, such as visits to specialists, physical therapy, or surgery. If you’re nearing retirement, it’s also important to understand how Medicare works and what it covers.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: If you anticipate needing help with activities like bathing, dressing, or mobility in the future, consider investing in long-term care insurance. This type of policy can help cover the costs of home health aides, assisted living, or nursing home care.
  • Emergency Fund: Having money saved for unexpected health expenses can save you in case of an emergency. Even if you have health insurance, you may face out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, prescription costs, or non-covered treatments.

Preventive Care and Healthy Aging

Preventative care plays a major role in your health as you age. Routine screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, mammograms, and colonoscopies can detect potential concerns early, when they are easier to treat.

Focusing on your physical and mental health can also promote healthy aging. Activities like walking, swimming, strength training, or stretching can keep your body strong and flexible. Staying connected with people in your life can also boost your mental health and reduce the risk of early cognitive decline.

Planning for Long-Term Care or Assisted Living

While it’s natural to want to remain independent for as long as possible, it’s important to think about what kind of help you may need as you get older. Long-term care refers to a variety of services designed to support people who need assistance with daily tasks, whether it’s due to aging, pain, or chronic health conditions.

  • Home Care: Many people prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. In-home care services provide help with tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care.
  • Assisted Living: Assisted living communities aim to provide a balance of independence and assistive care. Residents live in their own apartments but have access to staff who can help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
  • Nursing Homes: For those who require more intensive medical care, nursing homes offer 24-hour supervision and access to medical professionals.

The earlier you plan for long-term care, the more options you’ll have. Researching care options now—and factoring these into your financial planning—can save you money and help you understand what type of care is best for your health needs.

Keep Your Plan Up-to-Date

As your health changes, so should your plan. Make it a habit to review your health plan annually, or anytime there is a major life event (such as a new diagnosis or a change in your family situation). Keep your loved ones and healthcare providers informed of any updates to your preferences, advance directives, or financial situation.

Planning for your future health needs is one of the best things you can do to provide peace of mind for yourself and your family. While it may not always be easy to think about the “what ifs,” preparing now can help you stay confident and empowered in your care—no matter what the future holds.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.