End of Life Decisions 4/23/2010
Why are End of Life Decisions so important?
Many people avoid making and talking about end of life decisions because of their fears: suffering, pain, separation from loved ones and the unknown. These fears keep many from dealing with end of life decisions and make it harder to plan their lives as they wish. Not having an end of life plan can make your passing harder for those left behind. Talking and planning for your death is important to your well-being and your loved ones' peace of mind. Not talking about it doesn't ease the pain associated with loss.
Making decisions about how you want to spend your final days is not simple. There are many factors and options available today that may influence your care at the end of life. “Where do I want to die?” “Who will take care of me?” “What do I have to do to achieve a "good death?" These questions raise just a few of the issues to be considered in deciding your care at the end of life.
What kinds of decisions should I think about?
- Estate Planning Who will handle your day to day financial matters if you become incapacitated?
- What should happen to your property and money after you pass?
- Health Care Do you wish to receive life prolonging medical treatments?
- How do you feel about being put on a respirator or being resucitated? If you have a particular illness, it is important to know about the kinds of treatment you might receive. Consult your doctor for more information.
- Final Arrangements What type of funeral service do you want? Burial or Cremation?
- Is there a specific funeral home or memorial society you prefer?
How should I document my End of Life Decisions?
Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for health care and for finances are 3 of the documents you need to make sure your End of Life Decisions are carried out. Most importantly, discuss these documents with your loved ones. Don’t let your End of Life Decisions be a surprise.
Once you have documented your End of Life Decisions, keep the documents easily accessible. Give copies of the documents to your loved ones. Documents locked away, in a safe deposit box for example, may not be immediately accessible to loved ones in the case of an emergency. This may result in your final wishes not being carried out.
How can I learn more about End of Life Decisions?
Online, visit the Better Way Coalition web site at: www.abetterwaycoalition.org The Better Way Coalition provides End of Life Decision information specifically for Idahoans.
Online, see the American Bar Association’s Advanced Care Tool Kit at: http://www.abanet.org/aging/toolkit/home.html This is an easy to use planning guide for making End of Life Decisions.
By phone, call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 to get the contact information of your local Agency on Aging office. For seniors aged 60 and over, the Agency on Aging provides many different types of information and resources that is specific to seniors.