Make Your Last Wishes Known

Most people don't want to talk or think about end-of-life care. But with medical science and technology able to extend both the length and quality of life, conversations and decisions about end-of-life care are more important than ever. By thinking about and sharing your thoughts on end-of-life care, you can assure that you and your family members' wishes at the end of life are met.

Advance Planning

Advance care planning is a process. During this process, you should explore, discuss, and document your preferences. This helps you identify and clarify your personal values and goals about health and medical treatment. You can identify the care you would like, or not like, to receive in various situations. You also can determine whom you would like to make health care decisions on your behalf in the event you cannot make decisions yourself.

Your family and physicians should be involved in this process. Your physicians can discuss various clinical scenarios with you, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of various treatment options. They also will need to know whom you choose to make decisions for you in the event that you are not able to make decisions yourself.

Legal Documents

Several legal documents can assist you in this process. These documents are called advance directives. They are available through your doctor, hospital, or from local groups such as the offices of the AARP:

• A Living Will is a document in which you can specify your desire for care. For instance, in a living will, you can say whether or not you want a feeding tube if you are unable to eat, if you want to be put on a ventilator if you can't breathe on your own, or if you want to be resuscitated if your heart stops. A living will goes into effect only if you are unconscious or if your doctor determines you are not able to make medical decisions.

• A Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions is a document in which you can say who will make decisions about your care if you are unable.

For more information about making your wishes known, contact In-House Hospice & Palliative Care at (800) 311-5365.