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Advance Care Planning in New Orleans

Ensuring Your Wishes Guide Your Future Care

Advance care planning is a compassionate process that helps you maintain control over your healthcare decisions, even when you’re unable to speak for yourself. At Care Consultants of Greater New Orleans, we guide families through this essential care planning process, ensuring your wishes are documented, understood, and honored throughout your healthcare journey.

What Is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning is the process of reflecting on your values, discussing your healthcare wishes with loved ones, and creating legal documents that communicate your treatment preferences to health care professionals. This proactive approach ensures that when a medical emergency occurs or illness progresses, your doctor and family members understand exactly how you want to be treated.

The main purpose of advance care planning is to preserve your autonomy and ensure your own decisions guide your medical care, even when you’ve lost decision making capacity and cannot communicate those wishes directly. While many states have different regulations, Louisiana provides specific legal frameworks to help you plan ahead and protect your healthcare rights.

Why Advance Care Planning Matters

When you take time to complete advance care planning, you’re giving yourself and your loved ones an invaluable gift. By documenting your wishes in advance directives, you reduce the emotional burden on family members who might otherwise face agonizing end of life decisions without guidance. Your health care proxy knows exactly what you want, and healthcare professionals have clear instructions to follow.

Advance care planning also prevents family conflict during already stressful times. When healthcare decisions must be made quickly during a medical emergency or when end of life care becomes necessary, having legal documents in place means everyone can focus on supporting you rather than debating treatment options. This care planning process brings peace of mind to everyone involved.

An elderly woman having a discussion about advance care planning with her two adult children.

Types of Advance Directives in Louisiana

Louisiana recognizes several specific types of advance directives, each serving a unique purpose in your care planning.

Living Will

A living will is a legal document that specifies your preferences regarding life sustaining treatment and end of life care when you have a terminal condition or are in a permanent unconscious state. This document addresses questions about whether you want certain medical treatments, including a DNR order (Do Not Resuscitate). Your living will becomes effective only when you're unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself, have lost decision making capacity, and meet specific medical criteria.

Healthcare Power of Attorney (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare)

The healthcare power of attorney, also called a durable power of attorney for healthcare, allows you to designate a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf when you cannot speak for yourself. This health care proxy has the authority to communicate with your doctor, review your medical record, and determine appropriate treatment based on your documented wishes. Louisiana law requires two witnesses when you create a healthcare power of attorney, and this legal document should clearly reflect your treatment preferences to guide your proxy's care decisions. The scope of your healthcare power can be as broad or limited as you choose, giving your designated person the authority to make decisions across various healthcare settings.

Louisiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (LaPOST)

Louisiana physician orders for scope of treatment, known as LaPOST, differ from other advance directives because they are a medical order rather than a legal document. You complete an LaPOST document in consultation with your physician, creating portable physician orders that travel with you between home, hospital, and other care settings. Louisiana physician orders address immediate treatment decisions and complement your other advance directives by providing specific medical instructions.

Living Will

A living will is a legal document that specifies your preferences regarding life sustaining treatment and end of life care when you have a terminal condition or are in a permanent unconscious state. This document addresses questions about whether you want certain medical treatments, including a DNR order (Do Not Resuscitate). Your living will becomes effective only when you're unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself, have lost decision making capacity, and meet specific medical criteria.

Healthcare Power of Attorney (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare)

The healthcare power of attorney, also called a durable power of attorney for healthcare, allows you to designate a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf when you cannot speak for yourself. This health care proxy has the authority to communicate with your doctor, review your medical record, and determine appropriate treatment based on your documented wishes. Louisiana law requires two witnesses when you create a healthcare power of attorney, and this legal document should clearly reflect your treatment preferences to guide your proxy's care decisions. The scope of your healthcare power can be as broad or limited as you choose, giving your designated person the authority to make decisions across various healthcare settings.

Louisiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (LaPOST)

Louisiana physician orders for scope of treatment, known as LaPOST, differ from other advance directives because they are a medical order rather than a legal document. You complete an LaPOST document in consultation with your physician, creating portable physician orders that travel with you between home, hospital, and other care settings. Louisiana physician orders address immediate treatment decisions and complement your other advance directives by providing specific medical instructions.

The Advance Care Planning Process: Five Essential Steps

Advance care planning involves a thoughtful, systematic approach. Here are the five steps that guide this important process:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Values and Treatment Preferences
The first step in advance care planning is personal reflection. Consider what quality of life means to you and think about various medical scenarios. Would you want life sustaining treatment in every medical condition, or are there circumstances where you'd prioritize physical comfort over aggressive medical treatment? Your beliefs about health, your life experiences, and your personal values all influence these deeply individual preferences.
Step 2: Discuss Your Wishes with Loved Ones and Healthcare Professionals
Once you've had time to reflect, talk with the people who matter most. Discuss your wishes with family members, particularly the person you're considering as your health care proxy. Communicate openly with your doctor about your treatment preferences and ask questions about different medical situations. These conversations ensure everyone understands your wishes before a crisis occurs. Healthcare professionals can explain various medical treatments and help you think through scenarios you might not have considered.
Step 3: Complete the Legal Documents
Working with an attorney who specializes in advance directives or using Louisiana-approved forms, create the documents that will protect your rights. Whether you're preparing a living will, healthcare power of attorney, or both, ensure your advance directive meets all legal requirements, including proper writing and witness signatures. Many people complete multiple documents to address different aspects of their healthcare decisions.
Step 4: Share and Store Your Documents
After you complete your advance directive, make sure the right people have access. Provide copies to your health care provider, hospital where you typically receive care, your attorney, and of course your designated health care proxy. Request that your advance directive be added to your medical record. Some people also keep a card in their wallet noting where their documents can be found during an emergency.
Step 5: Review and Update Regularly
Advance care planning isn't a one-time event. Review your documents regularly—your annual wellness visit is an ideal time to discuss any changes with your doctor. Update your advance directive when your health status changes, after a new medical condition is diagnosed, after major life events, or if your wishes evolve. Preparing updated documents ensures your care planning remains current and continues to reflect your true preferences.

Key Components of Advance Care Planning

Effective care planning addresses numerous medical scenarios and treatment options. You can provide instructions about specific medical care preferences, from routine hospital treatments to intensive interventions. Consider the scope of decisions you want addressed: Would you want certain treatments for a temporary illness but not for a permanent condition? How do you feel about pain management versus life-extending interventions?

Your advance directive can cover medical decisions about feeding tubes, breathing machines, dialysis, and other life sustaining treatments. You might specify preferences about where you want to receive care and which healthcare providers should be involved in treatment planning. The more complete your instructions, the better prepared everyone will be to honor your wishes.

Advance Care Planning in Louisiana

Louisiana has specific legal requirements for advance directives that differ from regulations in many states. Understanding these Louisiana-specific provisions helps ensure your documents are valid and enforceable.

In Louisiana, advance directives require two witnesses who must be present when you sign. Your witnesses cannot be related to you by blood or marriage, and they cannot be entitled to any part of your estate. Louisiana law also provides protections for healthcare providers who follow your documented wishes in good faith.

Louisiana physician orders for scope of treatment work in conjunction with other advance directives to provide comprehensive guidance. When you consult with your physician about these orders, you create a medical order that health care professionals across Louisiana recognize and respect.

Key Components of Advance Care Planning

Effective care planning addresses numerous medical scenarios and treatment options. You can provide instructions about specific medical care preferences, from routine hospital treatments to intensive interventions. Consider the scope of decisions you want addressed: Would you want certain treatments for a temporary illness but not for a permanent condition? How do you feel about pain management versus life-extending interventions?

Your advance directive can cover medical decisions about feeding tubes, breathing machines, dialysis, and other life sustaining treatments. You might specify preferences about where you want to receive care and which healthcare providers should be involved in treatment planning. The more complete your instructions, the better prepared everyone will be to honor your wishes.

Advance Care Planning in Louisiana

Louisiana has specific legal requirements for advance directives that differ from regulations in many states. Understanding these Louisiana-specific provisions helps ensure your documents are valid and enforceable.

In Louisiana, advance directives require two witnesses who must be present when you sign. Your witnesses cannot be related to you by blood or marriage, and they cannot be entitled to any part of your estate. Louisiana law also provides protections for healthcare providers who follow your documented wishes in good faith.

Louisiana physician orders for scope of treatment work in conjunction with other advance directives to provide comprehensive guidance. When you consult with your physician about these orders, you create a medical order that health care professionals across Louisiana recognize and respect.

Geriatric Care Manager Elizabeth Stolier of Care Consultants in New Orleans.

How Care Consultants Helps with Advance Care Planning

At Care Consultants, we understand that preparing for future healthcare needs can feel overwhelming. Our geriatric care management services include compassionate support throughout the advance care planning process.

We begin with a consultation to determine your specific needs and goals. We facilitate important conversations between family members, helping everyone understand the care planning process and their roles. We coordinate with your physician and attorney to ensure all documents are complete and properly executed. During regular wellness visits, we review your advance directive and discuss whether any updates are needed.

When illness progresses or an emergency occurs, we’re here to ensure your documented wishes guide all care decisions. We serve as advocates, communicating your preferences to healthcare providers and supporting your loved ones through difficult moments. Our goal is to help you plan with confidence, knowing your future healthcare will reflect your values.

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"I can’t say enough good things about Elizabeth. When my family was feeling totally overwhelmed trying to figure out the best care for my granny, she stepped in and made all the difference, even helping with everyday tasks. Having Elizabeth guide us through everything gave us so much peace of mind. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without her!!"

P. Tate

New Orleans
"My mom has dementia and I was nervous about leaving her, even just for a week. Elizabeth stepped in and was absolutely AMAZING! Getting regular updates from Elizabeth gave me total peace of mind, and I could actually relax knowing someone was there to check in and keep things stable. I cannot recommend Elizabeth enough!!"

K. Melancon

New Orleans
Care Consultants of New Orleans is a member of the Aging Life Care Association.

Care Consultants of Greater New Orleans is proud to be a member of the Aging Life Care Association®, ensuring the highest standards in geriatric care management for families throughout the New Orleans area.

Taking the First Step

Advance care planning is an act of love—for yourself and for those who care about you. By taking time now to reflect on your wishes, discuss your values, and create the necessary documents, you ensure your voice will be heard throughout your healthcare journey.

The care planning process doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With professional guidance and support, you can create a comprehensive plan that brings clarity and peace of mind for the future.

Care Consultants of Greater New Orleans is here to help you through every step of advance care planning. Whether you’re just beginning to think about these decisions or need to update existing documents, we provide the expertise, compassion, and local knowledge to guide you

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t wait for a crisis to begin your advance care planning. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your needs and learn how we can support you.

Call us at (504) 484-9530, email us at info@caregno.com, or send us your request through the form. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you create a plan that honors your wishes and protects your future.

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    Common Questions About Advance Care Planning

    Who should create an advance directive?
    Anyone age 18 or older can and should consider creating an advance directive. While advance care planning becomes increasingly important as we age or face chronic illness, younger adults also benefit from having these documents in place.
    Does advance care planning cost money?
    Medicare will pay for advance care planning discussions during your annual wellness visit. If you consult with an attorney to create or review documents, there may be legal fees, but the cost is minimal compared to the peace of mind these documents provide.
    Can I change my advance directive?
    Absolutely. You can update your advance directive at any time. Simply complete new documents following the same legal process, including having two witnesses present. Contact your health care provider, hospital, and others who have copies to ensure they have the most current version.
    What if I don't have family members to designate?
    You can designate any trusted person as your health care proxy, including close friends or caregivers. The key is choosing someone who understands your wishes and will advocate on your behalf.
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