There is perhaps no more personal decision than the type of care you wish to receive as your life dwindles down. Some folks want to pull out all the stops — full code, artificial respiration, feeding tube, etc. — while others prefer only palliative care and go DNR.
Due to the wide disparity in people’s preferences, it’s vital to commit your decision to writing and detail your choices for end-of-life care. Below is more information for those completing their estate planning directives.
Consider all your options
Maybe you are comfortable with signing a DNR but still want hydration and sustenance as hydration but are willing to forgo the trauma of a feeding tube. One good thing about signing an advanced directive is that you can tailor it to your exact specifications.
Some people sign off on broad advanced directives. Others choose to get more granular, perhaps dictating the music they want playing as they drift off into their final slumber. People who enjoyed massages in life might want to pass away with someone gently stroking or rubbing their backs. It’s all about how you want your final exit to go.
Make sure it’s in writing
Not only that, but give copies of the advanced directive to your doctors and medical facility of choice. Keep in mind that your loved ones and next of kin might have very different ideas about end-of-life care.
For your wishes to prevail during this emotionally charged moment, you must have made your choices known by signing off on your advanced health care directive.
