Retaining control over life decisions and maintaining dignity as the end of life approaches are top priorities for nearly everyone.

Retaining control and dignity as the end of life approaches is an often overlooked aspect of comprehensive estate planning. Regardless the size or value of your “estate,” proper planning should address these difficult issues.

US News & World Report ran an article last week, How to Ensure Your Last Wishes Are Carried Out. As they outline, there are two primary ways to ensure your final wishes are followed: one is through legal documents, and the second is by communicating your wishes to those who may be involved in carrying them out should you become incapacitated.

As regards legal documents, you’ll need a power of attorney for healthcare, also known as a healthcare proxy. Your health care power of attorney allows you designate the person you want to be your health care decision-maker in the event you cannot make decisions for yourself.

You also may want to consider a Living Will. A Living Will is the document that helps guide the health care decisions made on your behalf. This is the document that allows you to spell out what types of medical care you would, or would not, want to receive in various situations.

The most important piece of advice? Make these decisions now, while you are able. Record them in valid legal documents, and communicate your wishes to those who may be carrying them out.