Clarify Values and Beliefs

Many people have strong opinions about what is important to them at the very end of their lives. Others want to be sure that certain things they dislike or fear will be avoided. Therefore, it is important for you to take some time now to explore your own values and beliefs.

After investigating your values, beliefs and goals for care, it is important that you share what is important to you with your Spokesperson (“Agent”) and Alternate, family, physicians, lawyer, friends, and spiritual advisor.

Below are some questions for you to think about and discuss with your Spokesperson (“Agent”) and Alternate in order to make sure that they understand you and can act on your behalf.

1. If you were dying, how important would each of the issues below be? Think about how you would rate each of these issues on a four point scale (not important, moderately important, very important, or extremely important)

• Avoiding pain/suffering, even if it means that I might not live as long
• Being alert, even if it means I might be in pain
• Being around my family and close friends
• Being able to feel someone touching me
• Having religious or spiritual advisors at my side when I die
• Being able to tell my life story and leave good memories for others
• Reconciling differences and saying "good-bye" to my family and friends
• Being at home when I die
• Being in a hospital when I die
• Being kept alive long enough for my family to get to my bedside to see me before I die, even if I'm unconscious
  

2. What are some of the things that you would hope for that could make your last weeks, days, or hours the most peaceful?

3. What are your biggest hopes about the end of your life?

4. What are your biggest fears about the end of life?

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