To the editor:
Everyone knows the old maxim that only death and taxes are certain. While most of us are likely to pay our taxes, many of us do not want to talk about death or anything related to it.
So, far too many people have not documented and discussed their health care wishes with loved ones in the event that they cannot speak for themselves.
According to the National Institutes of Health, only about 1 in 3 individuals have an advance directive stating their wishes and designating a health care power of attorney to speak on their behalf. This can mean that some people will get treatment they don’t want and others might not get treatment they do wish to have.
Too many people avoid difficult conversations even with those they love and trust, such as spouses, parents and adult children. It is vitally important that everyone over 18 years of age spells out their wishes in writing.
So, the day after our taxes are due is the perfect time to create or update advance directives. You can contact an eldercare attorney to help or find free resources online from trusted sources such as Compassion and Choices at https://candc.link/eolg and the National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care
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These are personal and individual decisions best not left to chance.Maureen Statland
Northbrook, Ill.