Final Destination
Preparation for Death
“True philosophers make dying their profession,’ according to Socrates as described in Plato’s Phaedo. Socrates made this statement while spending the last moment of his life in the presence of his family and friends. He used this occasion to inform and prepare his followers for his death and their future without him.
Whether one believes in another form of life after death, like Socrates did, or not, like some branches of Confucianism, I believe the preparation for death offers the participants an opportunity to celebrate life and soften the harsh reality of saying goodbye.
The death of Socrates - Painting by Jacques-Louis David 1787
Recognize and celebrate a well-lived life. Like Socrates, we can use these last moments to celebrate the accomplishment and memories of the individual, as well as his/her passing. This celebration can be elaborated like a list of career achievements, or simple as memories of taking vacation together.
Ease the burden of making decision near the end of life. Make known wishes to loved ones about end-of-life goal of care by discussing and formalizing advance directives, which are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later on. The following advance directives are available from the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Declaration for Mental Health Treatment (DMHT) — This document allows you to make decisions in advance about mental health treatment and specifically three types of mental health treatment: psychoactive medication, convulsive therapy and emergency mental health treatment. The instructions that you include in this declaration will be followed only if a court believes that you are incapacitated to make treatment decisions. Otherwise, you will be considered able to give or withhold consent for the treatments.
Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Living Will) — This form is designed to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment at some time in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known because of illness or injury.
Medical Power of Attorney Designation of Health Care Agent (MPOA) — Except to the extent you state otherwise, this document gives the person you name as your agent the authority to make any and all health care decisions for you in accordance with your wishes, including your religious and moral beliefs, when you are no longer capable of making them yourself.
Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) Order — This form instructs emergency medical personnel and other health care professionals to forgo resuscitation attempts and to permit the patient to have a natural death with peace and dignity. This order does NOT affect the provision of other emergency care including comfort care.
Statutory Durable Power of Attorney (SDPOA) — This form is for designating an agent who is empowered to take certain actions regarding your property. It does not authorize anyone to make medical and other healthcare decisions for you.
You can look for these specific documents in your state with Google search.