I was privileged to attend an event given by members of the Community Health Action Coalition dealing with the subject of how can we prepare for our own death.
Medical advances made in recent years have enabled us to live longer than was ever before possible. These advances that have truly been a blessing for so many can also pose a dilemma when medicine can no longer enable us to live a life of quality.
Previously, we haven’t needed to deal with these issues. Now we do, or important decisions will be taken out of our hands and given to our medical provider who has a legal responsibility to do all they can preserve life.
We can do ourselves and our loved ones an immense favor by getting “our affairs” in order now!
Through experts in end-of-life issues, we were given much to think about for ourselves, as well as ideas on how we might begin this conversation with our loved ones. We were walked through the paperwork to ensure legally that our medical wishes for our final days are met.
People have different preferences. Don’t assume your family necessarily shares yours. If your wishes are not made clear in advance, decisions will be made for you.
This was an important conference, not scary or grim, but filled with much food for thought. There will be more such events offered. Please think about this subject, and attend one of them.
Catherine Adams
Durango
