We all know that some conversations are more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has an aging parent or a sick loved one and most would say that end-of-life discussions are the ones they dread most. This is often a subject that is delayed for as long as possible or, in some situations, neglected altogether. It is one of the most critical conversations, if not THE most critical, that we will all someday face.
It’s never too early to start planning for our own journey’s end, but National Healthcare Decisions Week (April 16-22) is an especially opportune time. This week, we are reminded to evaluate what is important and talk about our end-of-life wishes with loved ones while we still can.
1-800-LAW-FIRM is proudly offering a free resource that will not only spur end-of-life conversations, it will bring ease and clarity to an otherwise emotional process. The Five Wishes living will prompts important questions that will help communicate your wishes for:
- The person you want to make care decisions for you when you are not able
- The kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want
- How comfortable you want to be
- How you want to be treated
- What you want your loved ones to know
Having this information takes the burden off your loved ones and chosen health care agent by enabling them to follow-through with your wishes. The Five Wishes living will eliminates the guesswork that inevitably causes additional stress to an already challenging situation.
In the first few pages of the will, you will be asked to select a health care agent who can act on your behalf. Selecting the right person to make healthcare decisions for you when you are no longer able is a big decision in and of itself. Keep in mind that the agent you choose should:
- Know you very well
- Be enabled to make tough decisions without emotions clouding their judgement
- Stand up for you and make sure that your wishes are heard and followed
- Who lives near you or someone who could arrange to be near you when needed
Health Care Decisions week reminds us to make our wishes known. It also reminds us that for those dealing with a devastating diagnosis such as cancer, mesothelioma or other terminal illness, that the time to communicate end-of-life wishes is now. Don’t hesitate to contact 1-800-LAW-FIRM today and request your copy of the Five Wishes Living Will—it’s free, but the information provided to your loved ones will be invaluable.
