Planning for end-of-life care is a necessary step in ensuring that medical treatments, financial matters and personal wishes are honored when an individual can no longer make decisions for themselves. Without a clear plan in place, families often struggle with difficult choices, leading to unnecessary stress, confusion and even legal disputes. Establishing a well-defined approach allows individuals to maintain control over their care and reduces the emotional burden on loved ones.
Understanding End-of-Life Care Choices
End-of-life care involves several decisions regarding medical treatment, quality of life and the extent to which life-prolonging interventions should be used. Palliative care focuses on symptom management and comfort, while hospice care is designed for those nearing the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. Both options emphasize dignity and relief from pain rather than aggressive medical intervention. There is also a service that provides end-of-life or death doulas who assists the person dying, as well as the family to cope with their loved one’s death journey. This is one of many referral services Beck, Lenox & Stolzer can offer.
One critical decision in end-of-life planning is whether to implement a variety of orders. These include:
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR): A DNR dictates that healthcare providers do not administer CPR if the heart stops
- Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST provides more detailed instructions on specific treatments they do or do not wish to receive
The Importance of Advance Directives
Advance directives enable individuals to legally document their healthcare preferences, ensuring that their wishes are respected even if they are unable to communicate them. A living will outlines medical treatments a person does or does not want in situations, such as terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness.
A healthcare power of attorney designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient. Without these legal documents, doctors may be required to administer life-saving treatments even if they are against the individual’s preferences.
Beyond medical care, financial and legal planning also play a crucial role in end-of-life preparations. Updating a last will and testament helps avoid unnecessary delays and confusion in the distribution of assets. Some individuals opt to establish a trust to streamline the inheritance process and reduce estate taxes. Assigning a durable power of attorney enables a trusted person to manage financial matters on behalf of the individual if they become incapacitated. Without these legal safeguards, families may face unnecessary legal hurdles when attempting to manage a loved one’s affairs.
Discussing End-of-Life Preferences with Loved Ones
Many people avoid conversations about end-of-life care because they are emotionally challenging. However, these discussions are essential for preventing confusion and ensuring that wishes are honored.
Discussing preferred medical treatments, pain management options and who should be responsible for making decisions with family members helps alleviate uncertainty during a crisis. It is also beneficial to inform designated decision-makers about the location of essential documents, such as advance directives, wills and insurance policies.
Schedule a Consultation Today; Have the Conversations That Matter
Beyond discussing medical preferences, individuals should also express their wishes regarding funeral arrangements, memorial services, or their preference for burial or cremation. Having these conversations in advance allows family members to focus on supporting one another rather than making last-minute decisions under stress. At our law firm, we can help you have these conversations and take control of the future now. We offer an initial phone consultation for new clients- schedule here. A free in-office consultation is available and can be discussed with the attorney during the initial phone call. Existing clients needing a review of their estate plan or changes to it can call our office to schedule that complimentary appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Planning in advance ensures dignity and control: Documenting medical and financial preferences prevents unnecessary interventions and guarantees that personal wishes are followed.
- Advance directives provide essential legal protection: A living will and healthcare proxy ensure that medical decisions align with an individual’s desires, even if they become unable to communicate.
- Financial planning prevents legal complications: An up-to-date will, trust and durable power of attorney protect assets and provide clarity for loved ones.
- Conversations with family reduce uncertainty: Discussing end-of-life preferences ensures that decision-makers understand and respect an individual’s wishes.
- Hospice and palliative care focus on quality of life: These care options provide relief from pain and discomfort, prioritizing dignity in the final days of life.
There are many choices when planning for end-of-life care. You do not need to go it alone.
References: National Institute on Aging (Nov. 17, 2022) “Making Decisions for Someone at the End of Life” and MedlinePlus Magazine (Nov. 01, 2024) “End-of-Life Care: What to Expect and How to Plan”
