Medical Directives & Care Planning

• Create a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order)
  ▸ Signed by your physician and witnessed (not by a family member)
  ▸ Accessible in your home, medical record, and/or emergency file
• Complete an Advance Directive / Living Will
  ▸ Details your wishes about life-sustaining treatments (ventilators, feeding tubes, etc.)
• Assign a Healthcare Proxy or Power of Attorney
  ▸ A trusted person who can make decisions if you’re unable to
• Document Preferences for Palliative or Hospice Care
  ▸ Where and how you want to be cared for near the end of life
• Discuss Wishes with Your Primary Doctor
  ▸ Ensure your medical team understands and supports your choices

Family Conversations

• Have Honest Discussions with Loved Ones
  ▸ Share your end-of-life values and what matters most to you
  ▸ Avoid surprises and reduce future conflict
• Include Family in Healthcare Planning When Possible
  ▸ Helps build clarity and emotional readiness
• Explain the Purpose of a DNR to Avoid Misunderstanding
  ▸ Emphasize it’s not about “giving up,” but about preserving dignity and control

Legal & Logistical Essentials

• Create or Update Your Will or Estate Plan
  ▸ Assign executors, outline assets, and express final wishes
• Include Medical Preferences in Your Estate Plan
  ▸ Integrate your DNR, Advance Directive, and Healthcare Proxy
• Store Documents in an Accessible Location
  ▸ Let family know where to find everything (consider a medical file folder)
• Review Documents Annually
  ▸ Update as your health, beliefs, or circumstances change

Emotional & Personal Reflection

• Clarify What Quality of Life Means to You
  ▸ Consider what makes life meaningful to you—autonomy, mobility, connection
• Write a Personal Letter or Legacy Message (Optional but powerful)
  ▸ A way to leave words of love, comfort, or guidance for your family
• Consider Grief Support or End-of-Life Counseling for You and Loved Ones
  ▸ Especially helpful during chronic illness or hospice transitions