The story of Terri Schiavo has been on the forefront of our national consciousness for several months. Terri’s death today marks the end of the longest and most heavily litigated end of life case in American history. Fifteen years of law suits and counter suits. Bitter accusations against people who once loved and cared for each other. Relationships shattered. Hearts broken. And even as Terri is finally given rest, the clamor around her intensifies! Part of the reason for this is that, despite fifteen years in the courts, we still don’t know what Terri would have wanted under these circumstances. Terri never completed an Advance Directive for Health Care. She never named a Power of Attorney or a surrogate decision maker (Thus, the role went to her husband, who is her next of kin). Terri never even had the conversation with her family about her end of life preferences.
This tragic case has caused many people to realize the importance of communicating their feelings, beliefs and wishes for their end of life care. The subject of death is finally acceptable dinner table conversation! And we urge all of you to tell your families and loved ones what you would want if you were in Terri’s situation. Will this be easy? No. It is very difficult to discuss these things. And very uncomfortable. But if you are a person who does not want any extraordinary measures taken it is far less difficult than fifteen years on a feeding tube. And if you would like artificial nutrition and hydration provided, asking for it now will be a lot easier than asking for it when you can no longer speak. LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.
And let them know NOW.
You may also find it helpful to appoint an agent or surrogate to carry out your healthcare wishes if the time ever came when you couldn’t speak for yourself. Be sure this person thoroughly understands your wishes and that he/she will carry them out as you instruct — NOT as he or she might choose.
And put it in writing. All states recognize Durable Powers or Attorney for Healthcare or Advance Directives. The forms are readily available at your local hospitals or hospice agencies. Many attorneys provide Advance Directives in wills and other legal work. However, you do not have to hire an attorney to execute an Advance Directive. You simply need to complete the paperwork and, in some states, have your signature notarized. The cost of a Notary is usually less than twenty dollars and some banks provide this service free of charge for their customers.
This is the time. Do it. Get it done. If you need help locating an Advance Directive form, write to Pam or Jerry through the email links on this site. Good luck and get going …
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