---
title: Together Patient Advocates Blog | Planning
description: Planning | Topics ranging from how to advocate for yourself to the benefits of patient advocates.
---

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# Together Patient Advocates Blog

[![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Be%20Prepared%20sign%20with%20sky%20background.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/how-to-write-an-advance-care-directive-polst)

## [How to Write an Advance Care Directive & POLST](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/how-to-write-an-advance-care-directive-polst)

 [fa icon="calendar'] Jul 9, 2021 3:00:00 AM / by [Kim Mcilnay, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/kim-mcilnay-bcpa) posted in [self-advocacy](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/self-advocacy), [Planning](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/planning), [advance directive](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/advance-directive)

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[In my previous post](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/why-you-should-have-an-advance-directive) we reviewed the importance of an advance care directive. Now let’s explore how you can create your own advance care directive, including the use of some helpful websites.  I’ll also tell you about an additional important document – Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustain Treatment, most commonly referred to as a POLST.

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[![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Blog%20posts/Happy%20grandmother%20holding%20a%20book%20of%20recipes%20and%20smiling.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/why-you-should-have-an-advance-directive)

## [Why You Should Have an Advance Directive](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/why-you-should-have-an-advance-directive)

 [fa icon="calendar'] Jun 11, 2021 5:00:00 AM / by [Kim Mcilnay, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/kim-mcilnay-bcpa) posted in [Planning](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/planning), [advance directive](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/advance-directive)

[[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/why-you-should-have-an-advance-directive#comments-listing)

 

Imagine this scenario: You've lying in a hospital bed on a ventilator (breathing machine). You've just had an unexpected heart attack. Your family is gathered around you. Do they know your wishes? Have you designated someone to make decisions on your behalf?

[Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/why-you-should-have-an-advance-directive)

[![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Hand%20with%20marker%20writing%20Whats%20Your%20Next%20Step%3F.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/navigating-life-after-a-dementia-diagnosis)

## [Are you Concerned about Dementia?](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/navigating-life-after-a-dementia-diagnosis)

 [fa icon="calendar'] Mar 26, 2021 5:00:00 AM / by [Kim Mcilnay, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/kim-mcilnay-bcpa) posted in [New Diagnosis](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/new-diagnosis), [confusion](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/confusion), [Dementia](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/dementia), [Planning](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/planning)

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In this first of a two-part series on dementia, I’ll give you an overview, including what dementia is, other diseases with similar symptoms, and what to expect from your evaluation. Part two will focus on what to do after a diagnosis. 

[Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/navigating-life-after-a-dementia-diagnosis)

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#### About Me

My clinical experience as a family physician combined with my personal experience as a patient with chronic illness makes me an exceptional choice to be your patient advocate. 

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