Planning for death avoids problems later
On March 18, Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. In light of this event, I think it's important to enlighten people regarding end-of-life issues. Most people don't discuss their requests about death and dying, and the possible outcome is the turmoil that happened in Schiavo's case. No matter what society has made us think about death and dying, it can be a smooth transition for all parties involved.
Make sure that legal documents are in place to avoid misinterpretation of your wishes. Advance-care planning, which is an understanding of your current health status, values, preferences, etc., is a good way to start. Advance directives recognize specific decisions that are understood by everyone involved in the process and is the result of advance-care planning. It doesn't matter what the public's opinion is concerning Schiavo's story; the bottom line is to be prepared for the future.
For information that is more detailed, contact your local hospice facility and speak with a social worker, or seek a free consultation with a reputable law firm.
Terri Simmons
Greensboro
Comments (1)
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Although Ms. Simmons offers some good advice, I would like to add futher thoughts on her advice.
Living wills and health care power of attorney forms (advanced directives) should make your wishes clear but does not guarentee your wishes will be carried out. The reality is, when your family doesn't know about or accept your decision and you can no longer speak for yourself, sometimes it is their wishes that prevail.
You can help avoid this by making it clear to all immediate family members (parents, siblings, spouses) that you have decided what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself. By doing this before illness or tradegy strikes, there can be no question about your mental state, your capacity to make those decisions without pressure or interference from others.
Then pick a trusted person who has no vested interest in your decision as your health care power of attorney. Someone who will have your best interest at heart. Make sure you discuss the issues thoroughly with this person and ask them to make sure your wishes are strictly enforced.
As we have all seen recently, end of life issues are hotly debated when they are not clear and concise. These issues are very private and should be kept that way.
In addition to being able to obtain these forms at a hospice facility, you may pick them up at almost any hospital. While these forms do not have to be notorized, they should be. And the witness to your signing should be an impartial one.
Most of us would rather ignore our own mortality because it makes us uncomfortable. But we can save our loved ones a lot of heartache and grief by removing the burden of having to make these decisions for us.
Posted on April 1, 2005 6:31 AM