Happier Ending

A new page of information was added to the Maine Attorney General’s Web page this month with little fanfare. But the information, on end-of-life issues, marks a huge step forward for state government on a difficult topic we must all address at some point.

No one wants to talk about dying, but it is that lack of discussion that often leads to anguish and uncertainty when we fall seriously ill and die. Should we be kept on life support? Who will decide? Shall we be kept in a hospital or allowed to die at home? Who will take care of the children? These are important, often heart-wrenching decisions that are hard to discuss with family and friends. It is better, however, to discuss them now rather than when tragedy strikes.

That is why the Attorney General’s Office has added information about end-of-life issues to its Web page (www.maine.gov/ag, then click “elder issues” and “end-of-life care”). Surveys on end-of-life issues show that most people wish to die at home, surrounded by loved ones and free from pain. In reality, however, most people die alone, in institutions and in pain. Attorney General Steven Rowe hopes that the information on the Web page will help people make decisions so that the end of life will be more in line up with their wishes.

To achieve this, people must make plans now to ensure that their wishes are fulfilled. People must talk with their physicians, family and friends about what types of treatment they do and do not want. For example, do you want to be revived if your heart stops? Do you want to be given food and water to be kept alive if you couldn’t eat or drink on your own?

After talking about your wishes, write them down. This is called an advanced directive (an example is on the AG’s Web page) and it should be signed by two witnesses and shared with your doctor and family members and friends who may be called upon to make decisions for you. You should also appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so. This is done through a durable power of attorney, also a written document that must be signed by two people.

Most people do not want to consider their own death, but doing so they know can save a lot of trauma later. The Attorney General’s Office has helpfully provided the tools necessary to start the conversation.