No one wants to think about dying. Some find it frightening. Some find the thought of not being with family and friends very sad. Some just want to believe they will live forever.
When we do begin to make plans for our own demise, we might plan the services, but chances are we are in our 50’s or older when we do so.
We should leave instructions for our heirs as to our own preferences for medical emergencies and final arrangements, taking the pressure off those we leave behind. This is important at any age, so that your preferences are considered.
Advance directives are legal forms that provide instructions for family members and medical teams should there come a time when the patient is unable to make a decision or communicate due to injury or illness.
A Living Will is an advance directive that provides instructions to the physician, family or friends with your preferences for life-sustaining or end-of-life care. These instructions will let those important people in your life know if you want to be placed on life—support if your body is unable to function properly without help of medical equipment.
A Health Care Power of attorney designates someone who can speak on your behalf. This should be someone who knows you well and knows your preferences. This person can make all health care decisions on your behalf, including type of treatment, where treatment is received and who will do it. A durable power of attorney for health care is only effective if you have lost your capacity for making or communicating decisions.
A Pre-hospital DNR means you will not be resuscitated should you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. This document is typically recommended for a person who is terminally ill or frail.
The documents should be kept in a safe place in your home that would be safe from fire. It is also a good idea to give copies to whomever may need them, and to keep a set in your vehicle’s glove compartment for emergency medical personnel.
The forms for these documents can be found on-line, but it is a good idea to visit a local attorney to make sure everything is as it should be.
