What is medical planning?

Talking about a loved one’s impending death is frightening and difficult, which leads many to put it off until later. Although discussing death can initially be uncomfortable, you undoubtedly want to understand your loved one’s final wishes, so you can carry them out as fully as possible. Life-planning decisions should be discussed as early as possible so your loved one can thoughtfully consider options and voice their values. People often assume that their loved ones know their wishes about medical care but have never discussed it. In our experience, families are always grateful that they dealt with these difficult questions early on, rather than at the last minute.

You should consider health care directives, power of attorney and appropriate places to live as care needs change. Some questions to consider include:

• If I have difficulty breathing, do I want to be placed on a respirator (an artificial breathing machine)?
• If I develop an infection or pneumonia, do I wish to be treated or just receive comfort care?
• If I can no longer swallow safely, do I wish to have a feeding tube placed into my stomach or to receive nutrition through an IV?
• If my heart stops beating, do I wish to receive CPR?
• Do I want to donate organs or my body for autopsy, research or transplant patients?

The answers to these questions will help you complete your legal preparations and be changed or updated throughout your life.