Medical conditions affect more people than just the person diagnosed – they touch everyone who loves and supports the patient. Caregivers and those who serve as health care proxies are often involved in the medical treatment for their loved ones. These resources address ways to deal with the complexities of having multiple people involved in the patient’s medical care, including advance directives, health care power of attorney and end-of-life issues.Patient & Family Issues
- Advance Directives (MedlinePlus)
- Advance Care Planning: Healthcare Directives (NIH)
- Advance Care Planning (UNC Health Care)
- Advance Health Care Directive Registry (NC Department of the Secretary of State)
- Caregivers (MedlinePlus)
- End of Life Issues (MedlinePlus)
- End of Life Resources (NC Medical Society)
- Getting Your Affairs in Order: Advance Care Planning (NIH)
- Patient Safety (MedlinePlus)
- Patient Bill of Rights (American Cancer Society)
Tutorials & Videos
Mobile Apps & Tools
Mobile apps and tools can provide you with easy-to-use information and resources that can serve as one part of your overall strategy to become and stay healthy.
This app allows you to safely store social security numbers, insurance information, prescriptions, and a current medications list. You can also share contacts with a spouse, sibling, and others that need access during an emergency. Free. iOS, Android.
This app allows you to store and share important health care wishes. In an emergency, you’ll have immediate access to a PDF version of your advance directive. Free and paid versions. iOS, Android.
Resources selected by Terri Ottosen, Health Sciences Library, UNC-Chapel Hill,
Last reviewed February 13, 2024