When you or a loved one is faced with a life-limiting situation, it can be hard to think about – much less plan for – what’s to come. Often there are so many questions and concerns that it becomes tough to make any decisions at all, which leads to more uncertainty and confusion for both the patient and their family.
Although it can be difficult to make end-of-life decisions, once some basic questions have been answered and a plan is in place, the focus can shift to making the most of the time remaining. Take a moment to begin the process with some crucial thought-starters and resources to consider.
Where will I choose to live and who will care for me?
Many patients at end-of-life prefer to stay at home, and hospice helps make that happen. Even with a family member able to serve as the primary caregiver, having an additional support network or care team in place will be important.
Whether in a long-term care facility or at home, hospice services can be a welcome partner in the journey. Beyond providing pain and symptom management, the hospice team’s goal is to maximize quality of life for the patient and support the family.
Some may wonder when to start hospice. Patients are generally eligible for hospice services when life expectancy is six months or less and they’re no longer seeking curative treatments, although many choose to delay the start of hospice care until the last few weeks of life. But beginning sooner can help ensure the comfort of the patient, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest extent for as long as possible. In addition, studies show that receiving hospice services may actually increase life expectancy for some.
And it’s important to know that Medicare and most health insurance plans cover the cost of hospice for those who are eligible. Visit SSM Health at Home Hospice for more information about the scope of compassionate care we provide.
What are my preferences regarding curative and/or life-sustaining treatments?
For some, and in some situations, deciding to forgo advanced treatments is an easy decision. For others, the desire to live as long as possible prevails. It’s especially important that the wishes of patients with life-limiting diagnoses are documented through an advance directive and made available to family members and the health care team.
It is not unusual for individual family members to have differing views about continuing treatments, causing additional stress within the family. Identifying specifics in advance about if and when you wish to discontinue curative treatments, attempt to prolong life, and/or be resuscitated ensures that you get to make those important decisions, even if you are unable to voice your preferences at the time.
A health care power of attorney and living will are two types of advance directives related to health care. A health care power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to make them yourself. A living will is a document identifying your wishes in regards to certain life-sustaining procedures.
Who will I trust with my important papers and/or to handle my finances?
It’s important to identify a family member or friend to manage finances during an illness and beyond. A durable financial power of attorney will allow your “agent” to conduct business on your behalf. Your will should name an executor to wrap up your final affairs. Be sure to provide the location of documents like life insurance policies, wills, funeral plans, banking, and investment information. If you bank and pay bills online, make a list of sites you use and the usernames and passwords so they can be accessed as needed.
Additional resources
You can find additional information and legal documents for use in specific states below.
