End of Life Planning Support

I will walk you through selecting a person to act as your medical power of attorney (DPOA-HC); this person will be designated legally to make medical decisions and communicate with medical professionals on your behalf in the event you can’t speak for yourself.

I will also walk you through a values worksheet to help you determine the best course of action depending on the situation. It is important to know the implications of various treatment options so you can make informed decisions about what care best matches your values. This is not just legal language — this is an individualized guide to future care wishes based on your values, personal beliefs, etc. It can include comfort-focused care preferences and a guide as to when to discontinue or refuse certain treatments.

When complete, these documents will outline what treatments you accept and decline and will act as a guide for healthcare professionals and your designated decision maker(s) in accordance with your values and beliefs.

You will want to share these documents with your family, decision maker, and medical establishments where you receive care.

A POLST (Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a legally binding medical order signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It guides first responders and emergency care teams to follow your specific goals, whether that means CPR, hospitalization, or comfort-focused care.

I provide guidance on understanding whether a POLST is right for your situation and how to initiate the process. A POLST makes the most sense for those who are seriously ill or medically frail.

How much medical care and life saving measures would you want if you had Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia? Dementia Directives are specific advance directives that help guide care if you ever end up with memory loss or a dementia related diagnosis.

Standard advance directives don’t usually cover dementia related situations in detail. This specific advance directive will act as a guide; your healthcare power of attorney and your clinicians will still need to make decisions about your care in the future as things arise. This document helps consider common scenarios and give further guidance to those who might be caring for you in the future if you do develop a dementia related diagnosis.

What does a “good death” mean? The answer to this question is different for everyone. The Death with Dignity movement means that, depending on the state you live in, you have options. Death with Dignity refers to an end-of-life option that allows certain eligible individuals to legally request and obtain medications from their healthcare provider to end their life in a peaceful, humane, and dignified manner. It can also be referred to as Medical Aid in Dying (MAID).

While each state’s qualification process may vary to a degree, by and large, two healthcare providers must confirm that patients meet the qualifications. I can walk you through the concept, terminology, and process so that you have all the information you may need to make future healthcare decisions that best align with your values and goals.

VSED refers to a conscious, voluntary decision made by an adult with mental capacity to stop all oral intake of food and fluids with the intention of controlling the timing and manner of their death, without coercion or external pressure. A person may choose VSED to avoid prolonged suffering, loss of independence, or a decline in quality of life due to terminal illness, frailty, or chronic conditions. VSED is recognized as a lawful expression of personal autonomy in many jurisdictions.

Successful VSED requires planning, reassurance, and support from family, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Hospice or palliative care teams provide interventions such as mouth care, medications for agitation, and emotional or spiritual support to maintain comfort. This is not an option to act on without healthcare support and planning.