Understanding what truly matters in your life can guide your decision-making. Take some time to think about the key aspects that shape your values—whether it’s your family, faith, or relationships. Once you have a clearer sense of your priorities, use the following questions to help you further define what’s most important:

• How have past experiences with death or serious illness shaped your perspective?
• How would you define quality of life (finding meaning beyond just physical existence)? This can vary significantly from person to person—some may prioritize living longer, while others value a higher quality of life, even if it means a shorter life.
• If you were seriously ill or injured, what would be your primary concern?
  • To live as long as possible, even if the quality of life is compromised?
  • To pursue treatment but stop if it negatively affects your quality of life?
  •  To focus on maintaining a good quality of life, even if it shortens your life?

Being informed about your health and treatment options is key to making well-rounded decisions for your future.

• Write down any questions you have before your medical appointments.
• Let your doctor know at the beginning of your visit that you have questions you’d like answered.
• Bring someone along to take notes on the information your physician provides.
• When treatment options are suggested, ask the following questions:
  • What are the benefits of this treatment?
  • What are the potential risks?
  • Are there alternative options?
  • What will life be like after treatment?

By taking these steps, you’ll be in a stronger position to make decisions that reflect your values, preferences, and health needs.

Your healthcare representative is the person who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Choose someone you trust to advocate for you. Their responsibilities will include:

• Asking questions of your healthcare providers on your behalf
• Respecting your wishes and making decisions that align with your values

If you don’t yet have someone in mind, it’s okay to continue with the process. The conversation might be difficult, but you can begin by acknowledging that discussing death and dying can be uncomfortable. You might say something like: “I don’t want my loved ones to be overwhelmed if something happens to me. If I were to become seriously ill and couldn’t make decisions myself, would you be willing to work with my doctors to make those decisions for me?”

Think about how much flexibility you want to give your representative in making decisions if a better option arises. This clarity will help guide your representative if difficult choices need to be made.

• Fully Flexible: You give your representative full authority to adjust any prior decisions if a better treatment or option comes up.
• Partially Flexible: You allow some changes to be made, but others must remain as originally decided.
• Not Flexible: Your decisions should be followed exactly as outlined, with no room for change.

Once you’ve made your decisions, share your plan with those closest to you and complete an advance directive document.

• Inform your healthcare representative and doctors about your choices for medical care.
• Let your family and friends know who your healthcare representative is and clarify the level of flexibility they have when making decisions for you.