Tough Decisions
Serious illness or death of a loved one is so very difficult. There is so much sadness and anxiety, and that time is often complicated by difficult decisions about care. Problems come up, because serious illnesses or injuries can make it impossible for people to make decisions for themselves or to explain their own preferences. That’s why we should think about these tough subjects ahead of time.Fortunately, Minnesota has very well written laws that allow your wishes about your medical care to be known. A planning pamphlet that summarizes these laws is available here at church. You can pick up a printed copy in the narthex (both English and Spanish are available). Let’s look at a few basic points.First of all, a Health Care Directive is a written document used to guide decisions about your health care in the event that you aren’t able to. Health Care Directives combine the general purposes of documents like the living will and durable power of attorney for health care. An important point to be aware of is that Health Care Directives have to do with medical care-they are completely different from financial estate planning papers like a will.As an adult, you have the right to control your medical care. You have the right to have your health care problems explained in a way you can understand, a right to know about options for care, and a right to accept or refuse medical treatments. These rights do not end if you become incapacitated. The best way to make sure that your choices will be known and followed is to put them in writing ahead of time.Health Care Directives allow you to appoint another person to make your health care decisions for you if you are unable (the person is called an agent). You can also leave written instructions that document your wishes. Agents are often family members, close friends, or health care providers. It’s important to pick someone you trust, who can make decisions under stress. You can name more than one agent if you wish.It is important to leave specific instructions about your health care preferences. Some questions to consider include how important is pain control? When do I want life prolonging treatments to be used, and when should they not be used? Consider questions like these: If I have incurable illness, do I want resuscitation if my heart stops? If I have severe Alzheimer’s disease, do I want treatments that would preserve my life? Some specific treatments to consider: would I want ventilator support (a breathing tube), nutritional support (like a feeding tube), cardiac resuscitation, renal dialysis? Difficult questions, I know, but worth considering.Your spiritual beliefs often influence your decisions about health care. Health Care Directives should include information about your religious beliefs, home church, and whether or not you want a pastor to be consulted. These are issues you will want to discuss with your agent. Your agent should also be aware of your feelings about quality and length of life. Finally, you should consider your wishes about organ donation, and record them as well.I know all of this seems complicated and intimidating (it certainly makes me feel intimidated). The planning pamphlet makes it much easier. It will take you step by step towards making sure that your wishes are known and acted upon. If you have questions or need help, please give me a call.Susan Cafferty 235-5403
