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Step 1: Think about what is important to you and how you want to receive care. |
Before you have a conversation with your loved ones, think about what is important in your life, as well as the kinds of health care that you want and don't want. Only you know what is important to you. The following questions can help you to think about, and then talk about your health care wishes.
As time goes by, you may have different answers to these questions. There are no right or wrong answers. After you think about these questions, share your thoughts with the person who will speak for you and with others who care about you.
- What gives your life meaning and purpose? What helps you live well at this time in your life? What is it that you like to do and that you would like to be able to continue doing?
- What are your fears or worries about the future as you become older and less able to care for yourself? What are your fears about health care treatments?
- If you are in a great deal of pain, would you prefer to be alert and put up with some pain, or would you rather have no pain even if that means you would be drowsy?
- Who are the people most important to you?
- Where do you want to live if you become unable to care for yourself? At home, nursing home, hospice, someone else's home?
- Who, or what, sustains you when you face serious decisions or challenges in your life?
- Can you imagine a time when you would want your doctor to withhold or withdraw medical treatment that might let you live a little longer?
- Are there any situations when you would not want someone to provide you with food or drink by feeding tube or IV?
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Select a person to speak for you.
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Advance Directives
