You may find it difficult to think about, but at some point, a time will come for you to make essential decisions to ensure your affairs are in order. Having a plan in place makes for a smoother process so your loved ones can make sure your last wishes are followed.
Let’s have a look at the following to help with your end of life plans.
Medical Treatments
If you are in a position to determine life-sustaining treatment and you and your loved ones think it may not help your medical condition or just simply prolong your suffering, you have the right to refuse any medical treatments. You may refuse treatments based on your religion, or think they are too expensive or risky if they won’t restore your quality of life. You may have other things you want to do with the time left or you feel the treatment is too dehumanizing for you. You have the right to start or stop treatment at any time. As long as you have been given the necessary information about the treatment options and the risks and benefits, including the risks and benefits of turning down treatment, your wishes do come first. Examples of treatments you can refuse include the following that you can include in your End-Of-Life Plans:
Legal Designate
If you are incapable of making decisions whether it is financial, medical or legal, it is important to identify a legal designate (power of attorney, proxy etc.) to make these decisions for you. Go over your end-of-life plans with the person you choose to ensure they understand and support your wishes. It doesn’t have to be a loved one but should be someone you trust (lawyer, financial advisor etc.), is good at handling money and would not cause them stress they cannot handle. If you do not have a legal designate in place, your loved ones will need to go to court to get the legal authority to handle your affairs which can be expensive and time consuming. There is also no guarantee the court will grant the legal powers to that person.
You can choose more than one and also a backup legal designate. If things change, or your legal designate is incapable or traveling, a back-up or co-decision-maker is helpful. If you choose more than one legal designate, you need to establish if they can make decisions separately or together.
Data, Documents and Possessions
You will want to consider the list below as to what you should include in your End-Of-Life Plan:
Medical Assistance in Dying
Medical Assistance in Dying is legal in many places around the world. Check with your government agency to determine if you can receive this medical assistance. If it is legal in your locale, a doctor or nurse practitioner would administer or prescribe a substance at your request that hastens your death. You must meet certain legal criteria before the procedure can be administered.
Criteria may include:
Spiritual Preparation for End of Life
Dying is very much a spiritual journey. You will feel many emotions as you face the end of life and prepare for death. These are normal reactions and are part of your process. You should consider documenting your spiritual wishes for your End-Of-Life Plan.
The following are some thoughts and feelings you may experience and may wish to discuss with a spiritual advisor or counselor:
Here are some items you may want to consider in your plan:
End-of-life planning is not easy but making these decisions ahead of time can offer you peace of mind and for those making arrangements.