End-of-life decisions are the most challenging ones to make. Very few people want to think of their sunset days or even draw elaborate plans on how these days should play out. Be that as it may, end-of-life decisions are important, as they clearly show the choices you make on life-sustaining measures you’d prefer when terminally ill. You’re on the right track if you’ve thought of these decisions lately and wondered what to include in your list. Here are five end-of-life decisions you shouldn’t miss out on.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Heart conditions are common when one approaches the sunset days of one’s life. Congestive heart failure occurs 10 times more often in older people above 75 years than in younger people. This is a condition you’re most likely to contend with when terminally ill in your sunset days. To help your loved ones with the challenging decision of putting you through CPR, you can decide for them in advance. If you don’t want CPR performed, your doctor will record this in your medical file to be referenced when the decision comes.
Cremation
As more Americans shift towards cremation, this is a decision you can’t shy away from when listing how your last days should play out. You can let your doctor and family know how to give you the perfect send-off when the time comes. Deciding to be cremated is also a great way of saving your loved ones the hustle and stress associated with casket send-offs.
Organ Donation
If you’re fancying donating your organs for anatomy or to support some other research work, it’s important to let your doctor and loved ones know early in advance. Once you’ve decided to donate, you can check with your state and register with your state’s organ donor registry.
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Feeding Support and Tubes
The majority of end-stage conditions render patients helpless and dysfunctional. You may end up unable to eat or drink by yourself, prompting the need to have feeding tubes and machines attached to your digestive system. While feeding tubes are an effective feeding support system that has helped save many lives, the case isn’t always so with end-of-life illnesses.
In dire conditions, these tubes could worsen your condition and cause even more problems, including disagreement between your family and the doctors. With an elaborate written decision, it becomes easier what path to take.
Breathing Machines
Like feeding tubes, feeding machines can be necessary for end-stage conditions. However, these machines are expensive and can easily plunge your family into huge debt even after departure. The machine could give you more time to exist but might not offer the cure to completely bring you back to life. It’s important to decide early enough, so your family knows what to do when such a time comes.
End-of-life decision-making can be unpleasant, but it can be worse for the ones you love. You can help them by writing an elaborate list of decisions and asking them to respect your choices even if they appear difficult. What’s more, you can have a professional estate planning attorney guide you on how to draft one seamlessly.
