FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 31, 2017 • COPING WITH DEATH • THE QUEENS COURIER 51
coping with death
Making end of life decisions
BY EMILY DAVENPORT
edavenport@qns.com / @QNS
No one likes to think about the end of
their life, but it’s an important topic that
many people put off until it’s too late.
Here are some things you should consider
if you’re starting to think of your own
end of life plans.
Make your wishes know
ahead of time
According to the CDC, while 70 percent
of people say that they would prefer
to die at home, 70 percent of people
die in a hospital, nursing home or
a long-term care facility. If you have
a preferred plan for your life to end,
make sure you talk about it with your
loved ones.
Have the conversation,
even though it’s hard
We get it, talking about death can
be rough and downright morbid. But
according to a survey taken by the
California Healthcare Foundation,
while 60 percent of people say that
not burdening their loved ones with
extremely tough decisions in important,
56 percent have not communicated
their end of life decisions. So, while
it may be tough to have the conversation,
have it.
Don’t wait for an emergency
to make your wishes known
Many think “I’m in great health, I
don’t need to think about this now.” But
emergencies do happen, and it’s better
to address these issues before one happens.
Include your doctor
in your plans
Chances are the only one who knows
your body as well as you do is your doctor.
When considering your end of life plans,
consult your doctor and see what kind of
insight they can provide to the situation.
Get everything in writing
If you want to make sure your wishes
are carried out, get your plans in writing.
Th at way it is completely clear what your
loved ones should do if a decision needs
to be made.