@colleenyoung A sensitive subject, at best. End-of-life issues are not a favorite subject for many people. It means a hard look at our own mortality, and those of loved ones.
When I was working in my last career, management asked everyone to fill out emergency information to "have on hand" not in the Human Resources Department. Not only were they upset that my emergency contact was my sister, in another state ["We need someone local." "I am single, and she is the contact I have."], but I included DNR orders, which they said they could not /would not follow if I was to collapse at work.
For my mother, my dad put in place to "keep her comfortable only" as her body shut down after a long journey with Alzheimers and dementia. For my dad, he chose DNR, but that was never called into play, as he passed from the effects of COPD at age 96.
Almost 10 years ago I put together my medical directives and filled out a POLST form [Physician's Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment]. All costs for handling my death were paid for. I also filled out a 5 Wishes document https://fivewishes.org/ My husband and the person he chose as a partner in the medical directive, know I have a DNR in place, a POLST completed, and 5 Wishes done. I know my husband's wishes and have asked him to document it all, so there will be no stressful situations with his family. We have spoken about timelines, and of course have no clue what our respective expiration dates are! For me, it is important that what I desire is followed through, even if I won't be able to change anyone's mind.
I consider it to be my personal responsibility to have things documented for me, as I have seen how families can be torn apart by differing thought processes. My sister knows my thoughts, but other family members rally to another approach to it all. I use a MedicAlert bracelet, and the information there indicates DNR, also.
Ginger
@gingerw, Yes! to all you shared. I also completed the fivewishes document along with other POLST, DNR and "Right to Die" documents to have included in my last updated medical and trust plans.
It was surprising and disappointing to learn from my estate atty. that TX does not legally recognize the 5 Wishes documents. He agreed to include them as a "reference" only in my file and my daughter also has a copy. Different states have different rules and I haven't looked into how my daughter's new state of CO regards them. However, I am relieved that hers is one of seven states that now legally recognizes the "right to die" statutes.
Until the recent death of my closest friend, she had always been the "local emergency contact" listed for docs and hospitals and my daughter listed second. Like you, I also also wear a medical alert and I.D. bracelet.
Additionally, because I live alone, I recently posted, along with a list of meds and doctor names, the "Vial of Life " document for Emergency Medical Info for Rescue Squad provided by Am. Medical Alarms, Inc on a credenza in entryway. (no longer have the web site link)
As you shared and as difficult as making end-of-life decisions may be for some, I agree that each of us has the responsibility to make our wishes known and documented to spare added grief for our loved ones in the future. Thanks for your post!