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Health Care Planning Information

Death and dying – once taboo subjects – are becoming increasingly relevant for Baby Boomers and their aging parents. We know from research, Americans are more likely to talk to their children about safe sex and drugs than to talk to their parents about end of life care options and preferences.

The time to discuss your views about end of life care and to learn about available end of life options is before a life–threatening illness or crisis occurs. By preparing in advance, you can avoid some of the uncertainty and anxiety associated with not knowing what your loved ones want. While you are able to effectively communicate, let your loved ones know your preferences for treatment.

Here are some steps you should take to prepare yourself and your family:

1. Consider all your options and possible health situations.

2. Complete an Advance Directive form.
An Advance Directive is a legal document you fill out yourself; you put your healthcare wishes in it, in writing. Advance Directives are not only for the elderly – the young need them too. You can download an Advance Health Care Directives Kit from the column on the right side of this webpage. Many senior centers also have them available free. You do not need an attorney to complete an Advance Directive, and they can be changed or updated at any time.

3. Make sure your doctor, the person you chose as your agent for healthcare decisions, and you all have copies of your Advance Directive.

4. Consider a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR). It is a form indicating you do not want cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outside a hospital. Emergency medical personnel must by law start CPR for all persons. Having this form protects people from CPR if they choose to forego it. This is the only form which must be signed by a physician ahead of time and be in your possession. It is an option some people with life-limiting illness choose.

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Quotes

Judy Norton
"Coping with terminal illness is all consuming for patient and family. As a hospice nurse, I feel it is most important to advocate, respect and use the knowledge we have to make the end of life the most comfortable it can be while always keeping in mind the unique needs of each patient."
~Jody Norton, RN