A Loving Conversation on Health Care Decision-Making

1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you describe your end-of-life wishes?

2. Have you done a Living Will setting forth your wishes in detail?
3. If you cannot communicate health care decisions yourself, whom would you want to speak for you?
4. Have you appointed a health care agent pursuant to state law?
5. Have you discussed your wishes with your Doctor?
6. Have you discussed your wishes, protections and the law with an Elder Law Attorney?
7. Would you want nutrition or hydration to be provided to you if you cannot eat or drink?
8. Would you want pain relief to be provided even if it might indirectly shorten your life?
9. Would you want artificial procedures to be withheld or withdrawn if there is no reasonable medical probability of recovering awareness and the ability to make decisions yourself?
10. If there is a choice, in what setting would you rather die? At home? In a hospital? Somewhere else?

Having this loving conversation can better ensure your wishes are honored if you yourself cannot communicate. Just as importantly, by talking to your loved ones while you are able, you give the gift of knowledge which can greatly relieve your loved ones of guilt and indecision.

This document is authored by Scott Solkoff, a certified specialist in the field of Elder Law. Solkoff Legal, P.A., is a Delray Beach, Florida law firm exclusively representing the elderly, people with disabilities, their caregivers and their loved ones. Finding an Elder Law Attorney in your state will better ensure your wishes are honored and that your agents are protected against unnecessary liability. For articles and more information, visit www.solkoff.com.