"I hear of stories about people who are in a coma on life support equipment for months and even years. Can I do anything to make sure that does not happen to me?"

Problems with health care arise when a person who has not planned becomes unable to make decisions about his or her own care. In these situations, family members are often called upon to make intensely personal decisions which will impact a loved one's length and qualify of life. If you have planned ahead, your family will understand your wishes and will not have to guess as to what treatments you want or do not want.

You may set out your wishes concerning life-prolonging medical care through the use of "advance directives".

Of course, if you become seriously ill, you will consult with your doctor about appropriate care and your doctor follow your instructions. Any advance directives that you prepared will not come into play until you become physically or mentally incapacitated.

How do I make "advance directives" regarding life support?

You will need two basic documents.

The first is a declaration or directive. This is a clear written statement you make directly to medical providers spelling out the medical care you do and do not wish to receive if you become incapacitated and are unable to speak for yourself. Some people want to make sure that they will die with dignity and are adamant about not having life prolonged when there is little hope of recovery. Others want even extraordinary measures to be taken if there is any possibility of recovery. All are concerned with pain management. You might want to talk with your doctor before preparing this declaration.

The second document you will need is a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Like its counterpart for dealing with property, this document names someone else - your agent or attorney-in-fact - to make health care decisions you would have made had you not become incapacitated. While the agent you name must carry out your wishes as expressed in your directive, situations might arise that are not clearly covered by your directive. Therefore, your health care agent needs to be in a good position to exercise substituted judgment for you, and thus should have a solid grasp of your attitudes on death and dying, religious beliefs, and your feelings about the quality of life you would find acceptable. You should have a serious conversation with the person you want to name as your agent.

As long as you remain competent, you can revoke or change your advance directives regarding health care at any time.