Don’t wait until it’s too late

Most people don’t like to think about death, especially the sudden or catastrophic kind. But we’ll all have to face end-of-life situations eventually, and there are simple steps you can take now to make it easier for yourself and your family.

First, choose a health care advocate. This will be the person making decisions on your behalf, rather like the executor of a will. Pick someone you trust to follow your wishes, of course, but also a person who is confident and forceful enough to stand up to health care providers and even other family members in order to see those wishes carried out.

Next, discuss your choices with your family. Tell them exactly what you want, such as what to do in the event you are comatose or in a persistent vegetative state, and whether you desire “do not resuscitate” orders. (You can use the library or the Internet to find out more about these options.) The stress of such situations can erupt in bitter disagreements or disputes, so the clearer you are about your wishes, the better.

Finally, once you have decided what you want, write it down. To give added legal status to your decisions, get them notarized in a living will. You can draw one up yourself, obtain a form online or from many doctors’ offices, or hire an attorney to draft one for you. Rules vary by state, so be sure to find out what the requirements are for where you live. And once you have your living will, be sure to keep it in a place where it can easily be found when needed.

Now, go hug your loved ones, settle down with a steaming cup of coffee, and enjoy being in the here and now.