Advance directives are your opportunity to speak for yourself.  Who do you want to make medical decision for you if you are unable to.  Who will make a financial choices for you?  These documents can take care of that.  Further by having these documents more expensive action such as Guardianship can often be avoided.  On the subject of cost, these documents are relatively inexpensive.  Using generic documents from the internet or stores will likely lead to problems with long term care planning and special needs planning.  It is therefore advised that you visit with an attorney regarding your specific case. 

Heath Care Surrogate—allows a person you appoint to make medical decisions when you are incapacitated. 

Durable Power of Attorney—allows a person you appoint -- your "attorney-in-fact" -- to act in your place for financial purposes. 

HIPPA Release—Allows medical information to be released to people you list (ie friends and family).

Living Will—instructs your health care provider regarding your wishes if you are terminally ill or in a vegetative state.