Life at All Costs? Demystifying End-of-Life Choices.
In our journey through life, one inevitable reality we all must face is The End. While it's a topic that many find uncomfortable to discuss, planning for the end of our life is crucial for ensuring that our wishes are respected and that our loved ones are supported during difficult times. End-of-life decisions force us to confront our mortality as we contemplate our values, beliefs, and desires and attempt to translate those concepts into a plan.
Life at all costs
When we think of the end of our life, a common goal is to extend our days as long as possible. But what if we looked at the end of our life as more than mere survival? What if we allowed ourselves and our loved ones to discuss quality versus quantity of life openly, incorporating personal values, priorities, and preferences into the conversation? What would happen if death was not always a surprise, a shock, or a difficult decision but instead was part of the plan?
Let’s explore the complexities, considerations, and empowerment inherent in the deeply personal process of end-of-life decision making.
Palliative Care and Hospice
Despite significant efforts to educate individuals about the benefits of Palliative and Hospice care, many still misunderstand it and even fear the mere mention of it. Palliative care focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of a severe illness, intending to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Hospice care is a form of palliative care specifically tailored to individuals nearing their end of life, providing comfort and support rather than curative treatment. Yet many will suffer for months or years, waiting until the very last days of life before “giving in” to accepting this care. Why? They didn’t have a plan. They didn’t have difficult conversations with their families and healthcare providers. They weren’t well prepared for when they were unwell or nearing the end.
It never feels like a good time to have this conversation, so we put it off. When we can’t put it off any longer, and many options are gone, we accept it as a last resort. So, when is a good time to have an end-of-life discussion? Now!
Enter Advance Directives
Advance Directives are documents that communicate your preferences for medical treatment in advance. You can cover scenarios ranging from life-sustaining interventions to Palliative and Hospice Care. These documents commonly include a living will, which outlines the types of medical interventions a person does or does not want, and a healthcare proxy or power of attorney, which designates someone to make medical decisions on their behalf for any unforeseen issues.
One common decision near the end of life is a Do Not Resuscitate or DNR order, which instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This decision is typically made when an individual has a terminal illness or a poor prognosis and does not wish to undergo invasive lifesaving measures.
Having these open discussions with loved ones, healthcare providers, and designated decision-makers and formalizing end-of-life preferences through advance directives, living wills, and healthcare proxies can cultivate a sense of empowerment in shaping your end-of-life journey.
Start Planning
Planning ensures your personal values, beliefs, and religious or spiritual preferences are accounted for in your end-of-life decisions. You can easily make updates if you want to change your plan anytime. The effort you put in will reap rewards beyond measurement. You will give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that your wishes are being met and reducing the possibility of family conflict around disagreements related to your care. You will empower yourself and your healthcare providers to advocate for your communicated preferences.
End-of-life decisions are deeply personal and challenging to navigate, but they are essential to comprehensive life planning. Knowing that you have choices beyond survival will open opportunities to explore options that works for you. Planning ensures you retain autonomy and control over your end-of-life care, promoting dignity, respect, and comfort during life's final chapter.
If you or a loved one need an advocate to help navigate these conversations, please reach out and schedule an introductory call today.