Advance care planning for healthcare is an important part of routine, high-quality health care and financial planning for all adults in all stages of life and health. 

If you would like assistance with advance care planning, you are not alone.  Fortunately, there is a variety of assistance available - some of which is free of charge.  See various options below, and don’t hesitate to contact the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association with your questions.  Call 765.301.7614 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

• Online.  There is a wealth of free, high-quality resources available online to assist people to engage in advance care planning conversations and complete advance directives.  Many of these resources are identified on this website in Advance Care Planning Resources sections.
  
  
• Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association.  People receiving health care in Putnam County, Indiana, are fortunate to have the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association, which offers free, individualized, convenient advance care planning assistance and a variety of free resources to help with both advance healthcare planning as well as living with a serious illness.  Call 765.301.7614 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up an appointment.  If possible, it is important to include your healthcare representative and/or other loved ones in these conversations. 
  
  
• Your healthcare provider.  Advance care planning for healthcare is an important part of routine, high-quality health care, and your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with information and guidance that is specific to you and your health status. This assistance may be offered in a variety of settings, such as an office, nursing facility, home, and through telehealth means. Advance care planning conversations and completion of advance directives are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some other insurance providers, and it is likely that there will be no charge to you. If possible, it is important to include your healthcare representative and/or other loved ones in these appointments.
  
  
• Your attorney.  Although advance directives do not require an attorney, you may wish to consult with one as you prepare your advance directives.  For example, an attorney may be helpful in advising you on complex family matters, protecting you if you live in multiple states, or ensuring that advance directives prepared in another state are recognized in Indiana.  Unless your attorney provides pro bono services, there will be a charge.  But for people with complicated family and financial situations, this expense may be well worth it. If possible, it is important to include your healthcare representative and/or other loved ones in these meetings.