Friday, November 4, 2011

End of Life Planning 1 of 3


This will be a 3 part series exploring End of Life Planning.  I asked a few of my friends what they thought end of life planning is.  Most all said something like, prepaying and choosing what casket you want and where you want it at.  So then I asked a few people whom I do not know, the same question.  And viola, they gave similar answers.

End of Life Planning can certainly include prepaying a funeral home for your burial expenses and that can be beneficial and important for many families.  I would like to focus on a more personal component of End of Life Planning, you!

If you friends and family have a hard time guessing what you want for your birthday, just think of the time they will have guessing what your end of life wishes were…  Something to think about isn’t it?  In the moment your life ends your love one, family and friends are going to be grasping at straws, most of the time, scrabbling to get things in order.  In the very same moment they are going to be grieving the loss of your life, your love and you being there.  There are many questions that need to be asked today, so that no one is guessing when that day comes.

How comfortable do you want to be? 
How do you want the medical staff to respond to critical situations of your health? 
If you are unable to make decisions, who do you appoint to make them for you? 

DNR.  Three letters that mean a lot and can stir a lot of controversy in a family when a loved one or family member enters their final days or moments.  Do not resuscitate (DNR) is a legal order written either in the hospital or on a legal form to respect the wishes of a patient to not undergo CPR or advanced cardiac life support if their heart were to stop or they were to stop breathing.  What are your wishes? 

Do you want the medical staff to let nature take its course or do you want the medical staff to do everything in their power to sustain life?

If you are in pain or discomfort how comfortable do you want to be? 

Is being in a vegetative state ok with you? 

Again, these are very important questions to think about.  Your faith, your education, your family, your life all affect how you will answer these questions.  And how you feel about them in this moment may change after you have given it careful thought. 

Inclusive Life offers End of Life Planning.  We will co-author your decisions and wishes into a legal format recognized by the Nebraska , Iowa and 40 other states.  Tomorrow we will explore other aspects of End of Life Planning in part 2.



Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding MinistersPremarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

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