End-Of-Life Decisions Are Important

 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20

In March of 2005, we were all reminded of both the fragility and value of life as the nation watched Terri Schiavo’s life slip away as her family debated her wishes. Terri’s struggle with life and death and her family’s battle over her wishes began in 1990 when she suffered a severe brain injury. The years of deliberation about Terri’s wishes and the ultimate conclusion with her death on March 31st highlight the need for everyone to consider their end-of-life wishes and how those wishes are communicated. As you communicate your end-of-life wishes it is important to understand both the legal and family aspects of that communication. In California end-of-life wishes are communicated through an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD). The AHCD replaces both the traditional Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and generally allows you to give more direction than these older documents. The AHCD has two primary functions; it allows you to choose who will make health care decisions when you are unable and it allows you to give direction to that individual about those health care decisions and your end-of-life wishes. Additionally you may choose to name an alternate agent in case the person you choose as your primary agent is unable to act as your agent. Many people ask a family member or close friend to serve as their health care agents. It is very important that you talk to the individual you plan to choose and make sure they understand your wishes. After you have chosen your health care agent you will have the opportunity in the AHCD to provide that individual with instructions on the types of care you want and do-not want to receive. The directive addresses such issues as when life-extending care should be discontinued, organ donation, and what types of comfort care you wish to receive. When your wishes are communicated clearly on these issues your doctors and family members can have an unambiguous understanding of your view on end-of-life issues. As a Christian, the legal communication of your end-of-life wishes is only the starting point. The most important part of planning for these issues is the communication that must take place between you and your family. First, you should talk with your heath care agent about your wishes and ensure they understand both your wishes and your values and beliefs. As you prepare your AHCD you also want to talk with family and close friends about your wishes so they can understand your values and decisions. Similar to a will, you can also include a statement of faith explaining that you believe life is a precious gift from God. The Foundation includes the opportunity for each of our clients to prepare an AHCD during the Estate Planning process. We believe end-of-life decisions are important for everyone to consider and encourage everyone, regardless of age or health, to communicate their wishes with an Advance Health Care Directive.