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21 MAJOR END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS

  1. To recognize that your days will end, and begin to plan your life on that basis (accept the reality of impending death)
  2. To choose a physician who understands how you wish to die
  3. How to change–or not change–your lifestyle (the way you live: activities, habits, etc.)
  4. To do those things you have been putting off
  5. Whether or not to receive psychological or spiritual counseling
  6. To let your understanding of death intensify, and improve, your present relationships
  7. To learn to talk more openly and comfortably about dying
  8. How you want to be remembered by family and friends
  9. Whether or not to draw up (or update) a Will
  10. To complete advance directives (living will, etc.) so those around you will know what you want
  11. To name your healthcare power of attorney (advocate) who understands what you want or do not want done regarding medical care
  12. To heal relationships that may need to be mended
  13. Whether or not to carry (or update) life insurance
  14. Whether to obtain hospice support to assist you and your family
  15. Whether to seek aggressive comfort care until death occurs
  16. Where you would like to die
  17. Who you want, or do not want, with you when you die
  18. To continue or stop treatment
  19. To continue or stop eating and drinking
  20. To receive visitors or not during your treatment–determine who they would be
  21.  If considering hastening your death, to apply for Exit Guides with Final Exit Network

Author John Abraham, D.Div., Thanatologist

More posts by John Abraham, D.Div., Thanatologist

Join the discussion 3 Comments

  • I particuarly like #12: “To heal relationships that may need to be mended.”
    I like the fact that the author uses the word “may.” I personally feel that some time, relationships need to be let go. Move on.
    I also believe that while these decisions were written to help those who are actively dying, they decisions can be made every day when you need to take back your own life! Thanks for sharing this!

  • John Abraham says:

    Thank you for your comments. Good point about every day use. John Abraham

  • John Abraham says:

    Thank you for your comments. Good point about every day use.

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