Questions to Consider: It’s more than signing a form!
The following questions may help to guide you as you begin to think about preparing an advance care directive. Remember that it’s never too soon to start these conversations!
- Whom do you want to make decisions for you if you are not able to make your own, on both financial matters and health care decisions? (The same person may not be right for both.)
- What medical treatments and care are acceptable to you? Are there some that you fear? Are there some you are certain you don’t want?
- Do you wish to be resuscitated if you stop breathing and/or your heart stops?
- Do you want to be hospitalized or stay at home, or somewhere else, if you are seriously or terminally ill?
- How will your care be paid for? Do you have adequate insurance? What might you have overlooked that will be costly at a time when your loved ones are distracted by grieving over your condition or death?
- What actually happens when a person dies? Do you want to know more about what might happen? Will your loved ones be prepared for the decisions they may have to make?
- Have you talked with your power(s) of attorney about your end of life wishes?
- Have you talked with your children about your end of life wishes? About the details of your will? (Is your will up-to-date?)
It’s always too soon until it’s too late.
Start the conversation now!
…And keep on talking!