My friend Betty’s Notes: Health care decisions at the end of life

Do you have written instructions for your departure or what you want done if you are unable to speak for yourself?

Most people don’t want to think about this but it is an important part of being alive. Knowing what you want done when you are extremely ill or at death is one thing but for others to know it has to be in writing.

First, obtain life insurance my husband and I have a simple term life insurance plan. Then make sure everything is in writing before leaving the world.

Living Will.

My friend Betty's husband passed on January 1, 2018, and through planning everything was easier for the family when he passed.

With her help and I took some notes for a detailed roadmap on what to do before your point of departure from the world. I will do a follow up post with the rest of the road map or things to take care of ahead of time.

The first step is in this post.

No one will be on earth forever so let’s get information together for our departure. Here in America, it is expensive to die and your loved ones can save a lot on the expense simply with prewritten instructions.

The most import benefit is a peace of mind for them and you.

Living will this is the place to start

Do you have your living will in place? In other words, do your loved ones know what you want to be done when you are not capable of making those decisions for yourself?

Living Will definition: a written statement detailing a person's desires regarding their medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent, especially an advance directive.

You most likely can get a booklet from your local hospital. Otherwise here is a you can find one to download one offline. Be sure and get one for your state or where you are living.

On the site they also explain the difference between a Living and a Last Will and Testament. This has to do with how you want your assets divided or pets and children cared for. They don’t mention pets but I will because my dog is very important to me.

The 5 wishes gives you more than the legal and medical.

Wish 1: The Person I Want to Make Care Decisions for Me When I Can't
Wish 2: The Kind of Medical Treatment I Want or Don't Want
Wish 3: How Comfortable I Want to Be
Wish 4: How I Want People to Treat Me
Wish 5: What I Want My Loved Ones to Know

Image Farrett Sears

I will go the other steps to take care of in following post.

Reminder: check and make sure on what is required for your state or country.

Wikipedia reference for wishlist
Go here for details on the wish list.
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