Consider the other inevitable: death

BY GEORGE

By GEORGE CHAMBLIN - for the North County Times | Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:17 PM PDT ∞

Tuesday, April 15, was the annual day when Americans gave their undivided attention to one of the inevitables in life: taxes.

And I'm sure that it was no coincidence that the following day was designated National Healthcare Decisions Day, an opportunity to responsibly deal with the other unavoidable factor: death.

Unfortunately, a new survey finds that most families, willing to hold meaningful discussions on other issues, are still hesitant to deal with death.

"Americans have made such wonderful progress expanding the dialogue about drugs and sex with their children, yet we still struggle when it comes to talking about something that happens to every one of us ---- dying," said Nathan Kottkamp, chairman of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

A growing number of people are investing the time and effort to make sure that their financial estates are in order and their assets will appropriately pass on to their beneficiaries after they are gone. The use of wills and living trusts are certainly helpful in that area. And it gives families the opportunity to discuss important financial issues.

But bring up the subject of how you want to live out your last few days, and the room empties in a hurry.

I recently visited with the people at the Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido and got a real education in the programs that are available to assist people in planning for the end of life. I was somewhat familiar with this subject, as my father-in-law passed away last year and the care of a hospice helped the family through the end of his life.

Let's face it, none of us wants to face our own mortality. However, failing to make the necessary plans can place terrible burdens on those we most want to protect, our beneficiaries.

That's why I suggest replacing the words "estate planning" with "legacy." How do you want to be remembered? The way you plan will determine whether your survivors fight over assets and possessions or how they think you want to deal with death.

The California Advance Health Care Directive is a tool that can help you give instructions about your own health care. It allows you to appoint an agent to act on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions on your own.

The directive is available through a link at www.elizabethhospice.org.

Preparing this document will not be fun. The same applies for giving financial powers of attorney. Yet, when it is completed, you will have a sense of peace that is priceless.

 

George Chamberlin is a regular contributor to the North County Times and also is a TV and radio commentator. Contact him at geoc1045@gmail.com.

First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.