Medical decision making is a process of discussing with loved ones and health care providers the personal wishes of an adult in the event of serious illness, and in the event that one is unable to make decisions.

The following questions and their answers may be a way to begin the discussion with your family and physician.Remember, these are helpful tools for in beginning a discussion; your durable power of attorney will be responsible for interpreting your wishes in a specific circumstance.

1. Where do you prefer to be taken care of and by whom?

2. Which person do you want to make health care decisions for you when you are unable to make them? In order for them to do this, you will need to make this person your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care because of privacy laws. You can have two others act as alternates in case your first choice is not available at the time of your illness.

3. How comfortable do you want to be? If on pain medication, how sedated or alert do you want to be, depending on the situation?

4. How do you want to be cared for, in what ways, and where at the end of your life?

5. What do you want your loved ones to know?

6. Do you have any fears or worries about your illness or medical care?

7. Do you have any requests for spiritual needs?

8. Is there anything else you would like to share or discuss?

9. Speak with your loved ones, doctors and other health care providers, and discuss more for more ways to make your wishes known and followed.

Created by Compassionate Choices / Modified by Consoling Grace

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