It’s an uncomfortable topic for anyone to think about: the end of our lives. It’s not a subject most us like to dwell upon. We don’t want to think about leaving our family and friends behind. However, the more prepared we are for the inevitable, the more we’re able to enjoy the time we have left. Having a plan brings us peace of mind, knowing everything will be taken care of when we’re gone.

We aren’t only speaking financially. While it’s clearly important to make sure your assets and valuables are going to be properly tended to once you’re no longer the one holding them, it’s also important to consider how you want to be taken care of during the final stage of your life.

The sooner you’re able to make those wishes known, the better. Ideally, you want to take care of these plans well before any emergency occurs, as we never know when something might happen. Your needs and wishes may change as you grow older. Whatever your reasons are for documenting your needs and wants, it’s what you put down on paper that will ultimately matter for everyone.

When it comes to a decline in your health, we recommend you begin by discussing your wishes with your family, then scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician or nurse practitioner. Have a frank discussion about your treatment options, and make sure you have a loved one with you there to help ask the more delicate questions. Once you have all the information you need, you’ll be able to decide if you need to add any of these legal documents to your existing will:

• Advance directive, or Living Will: You may consider this the most essential document to have, because you can specify what actions should be taken if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself, due to your illness or other incapacities.
• Power of Attorney: You can designate someone to make your medical decisions for you, should you be unable to for medical or other reasons.
• Do Not Resuscitate order: Better known as a DNR, this directive instructs that there be no heroic measures to save your life if your breathing should stop or your heart should stop beating.

Once you have these documents in place, you will need to present them to your attorney, or have a trusted family member do so for you. Any physician treating you from that point on is legally bound to follow your explicit wishes.

At Greystone Health, we take pride in our compassionate care. Our staff is here to help you and your loved ones during what can be a very difficult and emotional time. Learn more about our care services at https://www.greystonehealth.com/services_health-network/ or by calling us at 813.635.9500.