Based on recent national events, hospices across the country are being called upon to assist communities and families with discussions about end of life wishes. Hospice of Little Traverse Bay in Harbor Springs, is available to area organizations, businesses and individuals to review methods of advanced care planning.

Discussions about what you want done and who should carry out your wishes is of vital importance. Heaven forbid you find yourself stricken with a life threatening illness or in an accident.

• Do you know what life saving measures you want taken?
• If you have decided that you do not want heroic measures taken, who have you chosen to carry out your decision?
• Do they know they have been chosen to honor your wishes?
• Can they carry them out as you wish?

Also important is the involvement of your family physician, internist or other medical professionals and making sure they know what you want. They are often a key participant that is left out of this most important discussion. If you have a Living Will, Advanced Directive or Five Wishes form, make sure your doctor has a copy.

• Are you designated as an advocate for a loved one?
• Do you know what they want?
• Can you carry out their wishes?

Don’t put your family or physician in the position of having to guess what you might have wanted. Let them honor you and give you the final say. Let us all learn something from the unfortunate tragedy in Florida and start the talking NOW!

For more information on advanced directives or the Five Wishes form, or to arrange for a group presentation, please contact HOLTB at (231) 487-4825.

For more information on the Five Wishes - http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html