Responsibility for Death?

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Recently I read a very power opinion in the NY Times.  Written by Susan Jacoby, it puts forth the idea that Americans need to become responsible for their death.  Especially the chance of costly bills in the final days of life.  One statistic simply amazed me -- one third of the Medicare budget is spent in the last year of life, and of that, one third is spent in the last month! Another that I found surprising was the claim that close to two-thirds of Americans believe a patient has a right to die when there is no hope for recovery, yet only one third have executed a living will (declaration to medical team about your wishes if you are in an end of life state).

So why don't people take responsibility or as I say in seminars "control"?  Death is not a topic many people want to address.  People mean well, but there are many other things to do that are simply more fun.  Combine this with denial of the fact that we all eventually die, and you have two powerful reasons not to complete these simply, and often free, forms.

If you want to give your loved the ones of as little stress and financial worry when your time comes, complete a living will.  Take charge and put your wishes in writing.  And if you've already done so, update every 5 to 7 years.

Please remember that a blog is not legal advice; please consult with an attorney in your state.