@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

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