Until now, there has been no form of advance directive that put these questions squarely in front of the person with early dementia. Last July, I published such a form.
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Decisions at the end of life reach beyond an individual’s medical condition and involve in-depth consideration of how each person defines quality.
Imagine attending a funeral where the person who has died speaks directly to you, answering your questions and sharing memories. This happened at the funeral of Marina Smith, a Holocaust educator who died in 2022.
What happens if you decide to update your Advance Directive or your surrogate? Will you remember to send it to your doctors, lawyer, surrogate, etc.? How will individuals be sure they have the latest copy?
“End-of-Life decisions should not be made at the end of life” – Un-credited
The concept of the end of life is a period that has evolved over time, with a longer duration due to advancements in health care. The end of life stage is likened to other life course stages, with specific tasks and preparations needed for a smooth transition.
Final Exit Network, a nonprofit, offers end-of-life resources including articles on Exit Guide Services, Advance Directives, personal stories, and Healthcare Representatives, emphasizing the significance of choosing a suitable healthcare representative aligned with one’s wishes for medical decision-making. Membership offers access to forums and events.
What challenges do LGBTQ elders face in finding a trusted individual to discuss their preferences for end-of-life care?
“Your choice of surrogate may be more important than your living will.”
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