End of life care
"End of life care" refers to the support and care you need to have the best quality of life toward the end of life. It includes conversations with family and health care providers to prepare for the type of care you want, including death with dignity.
Advance directives
Advance directives are any type of legal document that addresses your wishes about your future medical care. It is important to consider putting advance directives in place before you transition to the end of life. These may include a:
- Health care directive (living will).
- Durable power of attorney for health care.
- Written personal statement about your health care goals and values.
Learn more about advance directives.
Death with dignity
The Washington Death with Dignity Act gives eligible terminally ill adults—with six months or less to live—the right to choose medical aid in dying. End of Life Washington, a statewide organization, supports individuals preparing for end-of-life care, including those seeking death with dignity. You can learn more about the Death with Dignity Act (DWD) for patients and how End of Life Washington can help.
If you are a health care professional, find resources for hospitals or Death With Dignity Act (DWD) information for medical providers.
How do I ensure my wishes are respected in an emergency?
Talk to your provider about advance care planning
Advance care planning encourages individuals to make informed decision about their end-of-life care preferences, including medical treatment, and to document these wishes. Advance care planning helps adults at any age or stage of health understand and share their personal values, life goals and preferences regarding future medical care.
Complete a POLST
Consider filling out a Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form (POLST). A POLST form is a legal document that tells medical providers what kind of care you would or would not like in a medical emergency.
(Adapted from The Bree Collaborative.)