In September 2014, the Institute of Medicine released the report
Dying in America: Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life. The report finds that most people are unable to make their own decisions about care when they’re nearing the end of life. Even if you’re young and healthy, anyone can face a sudden illness or injury. That’s why it’s so important to have a conversation with your loved ones and care providers about your end-of-life goals and preferences now—before a crisis.
This conversation shouldn't be a one-time event. Instead, it should happen at key points throughout your life, as your values, goals for care and preferences change.