Options available for end-of-life decisions

GREEN BAY - The death of a woman in a California senior facility can also serve as a reminder for the rest of us.

Questions like: What can I do to make sure everything is in order, in case I can't make medical decisions for myself?

In the legal world, they're called advance directives. Documents like a living will.

"In the living will, you designate whether you want a feeding tube, or extreme measures such as ventilators and so on, if you become that sick," said Sr. Monica Bongert, St. Vincent Hospital chaplain.

And a second form, called the power of attorney for health care.

"You appoint someone to make your medical decisions, if you cannot," said Bongert.

Bongert and her team counsel families everyday about end-of-life decisions.

"Two doctors have to fill out a form saying you're not capable of making your decisions right now, so we will turn to the person you designated to make your decision," said Bongert.

If there is no document, the courts may decide a person's disposition.

"That can be costly for the family. It can be $1,500 to go through that. To get somebody named as a temporary guardian to make that decision for that loved one," said Cinde Becker, St. Vincent Hospital pastoral care director.

At Cardinal Ridge Residential Care in Howard, 8 of the 24 people at the facility have an emergency care order called "do not resuscitate." For example, emergency providers will control bleeding and administer oxygen, but they won't perform chest compressions or use a defibrillator.

"In a setting like ours, in an assisted living setting, we have to have not only the signed document for the do not resuscitate from the doctor, but the person has to wear like a little bracelet indicating that that's their wishes," said Karen Bain, Cardinal Ridge Residential Care administrator.

Karen Bain says those wishes can often collide with emotions from family members. But in the end, Bain says putting it in writing is paramount.

"It's a safeguard for them, so they have done what they want," said Bain.