The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
-
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Jan 2021
Insufficient Advance Care Planning? Correlates of Planning Without Personal Conversations.
Advance care planning (ACP) typically comprises formal preparations (i.e., living will and/or durable power of attorney for health care) and informal discussions with family members and health care providers. However, some people complete formal documents without discussing them with others. If they become incapacitated, their appointed decision makers may lack guidance on how to interpret or enact their formal wishes. We document the prevalence and correlates of this partial approach to ACP. ⋯ Socially isolated persons are especially likely to do formal planning only, which is considered less effective than two-pronged ACP. Health care professionals should recognize that older adults with few kin may require additional support and guidance when doing ACP.