Can you make an appointment with your PCP to review unfamiliar medical terminology or procedures?
When I was working, reviewing advanced directives or a POLST was part of our requirements for insurance companies for clients 65 and over.
We did not have clients make/choose/or sign while in office, just review what things meant as best we could, and advised them to review with family members or an attorney.
Then we would request they bring in copies when they had them competed.
This must be the dumbest question I ever asked since I usually get more answers. Oops.
Google Karen Ann Quinlan.
Its not a dumb question to ask about advance directives. Glad you are thinking about it
I work in healthcare and without an AD (Advanced directive), the hospital has no option BUT to keep you alive.
Agree with others re Being Mortal by Gwande - the book or the movie (see link)
MOst important is choosing your health care power of attorney (POA).
That person should be familiar with your wishes, values, and have the guts to carry them out.
My DH has said he does NOT want to make difficult health decisions for me, so I've asked my sister. We have similar experiences and views on end of life care.
Good luck
In our CCRC, our local fire dept is trained to look for the green form which is put in a heavy-duty vinyl envelope in your freezer. It is my impression that this is a standard protocol for many emergency responders.
In my mother's case, the docs were in a large test tube attached to the outside of the refrigerator. That was the standard in Ohio, at least back then.
Another point, although it may not be common. As my mom approached the end, I had a long conversation with a "palliative care nurse" at the local hospital that enlightened me about many things. In retrospect, I would have paid quite a bit for that conversation if I had known how valuable it would be to me. Something people might consider looking for, if available.
I just meant that a palliative care nurse can be a very valuable resource for information, if you can find one in your area.