Health Tip: End-of-Life Planning

(HealthDay News) - Caregivers assume a host of vital responsibilities, but an easily neglected or often-avoided task is end-of-life planning.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Be sure that your loved one makes advance directives, including instructions on what kinds of medical services he or she wants (or doesn''t want) if unable to communicate.
• Talk to your loved one about receiving hospice care, which can help provide comfort as a disease or condition progresses.
• Be sure the person''s finances are in order. Review the will, life insurance policy, and other legal documents with an attorney.
• Make funeral arrangements, according to your loved one''s wishes.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Dec. 06, 2007

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