Patient Education

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Care at the End of Life

Overview

You will face many hard decisions as you near the end of life. These include:

What kind of medical care you want.
For example, do you want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Opens dialog if your heart stops? Or do you want to be on a breathing machine to help you breathe if you can't breathe on your own? Write down your wishes in your living will, Opens dialog.
Where you would like to receive care.
Some people would rather be cared for in a hospital. Others choose to be cared for at home or in a nursing home.
Who will make decisions about your care.
Be sure to name someone to be your health care agent, Opens dialog (health care proxy, health care surrogate). This person can make decisions for you if you can't make them for yourself.
Whether you want to donate your organs.
After your death, you may be able to donate certain organs depending on their condition.

Look for chances to talk about your end-of-life choices early and often. You could bring up the subject while you write your will. Or you could talk with loved ones after a doctor's visit or at a family gathering. Planning ahead will help you and your loved ones make hard decisions when the time comes.

Next Section:

Health Tools

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.