From Wills to Wishes: A Texan's Roadmap for End-of-Life Planning

End-of-life planning is about much more than just creating a will. It encompasses a range of decisions that individuals need to make regarding their healthcare, financial matters, and personal wishes.

By engaging in this planning process, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected and their loved ones are not burdened with making difficult decisions during an already challenging time.

It is crucial for individuals to discuss your end-of-life preferences, including your desire for a DNR order, with your healthcare providers, family members, and designated healthcare proxies.

These conversations help ensure that everyone involved understands and respects your wishes.

Chapter 1: Understanding End-of-Life Planning in

Texas 1

The Importance of End-of-Life Planning 1

Legal Framework for End-of-Life Planning in

Texas 3

Texas Estate Planning Laws 5

Advance Directives in Texas 7

Guardianship and Conservatorship in Texas 10

Chapter 2: Creating a Comprehensive End-of-Life Plan 12

Assessing Your Personal Values and Goals 12

Identifying Your Preferred Medical Treatments 14

Life-Sustaining Treatment Options 17

Non-Life-Sustaining Treatment Options 19

Designating a Healthcare Proxy or Agent 21

Appointing a Power of Attorney for Finances 23

Organ and Tissue Donation Considerations 25

Chapter 3: Communicating Your End-of-Life Wishes to Loved Ones 27

The Importance of Open and Honest Conversations 27

Choosing the Right Time and Place for Discussions 30

Breaking the Ice: Initiating End-of-Life Planning Conversations 32

Addressing Family Conflicts and Disagreements 35

Sharing Your End-of-Life Plan with Healthcare Providers 38

Chapter 4: Navigating the Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Discussion 40

Understanding Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders 40

Legal Requirements for DNR Orders in Texas 42

Discussing DNR Orders with Healthcare Providers 44

Involving Family Members in DNR Decision- Making 47

Documenting DNR Wishes and Preferences 49

Chapter 5: Legal Documents for End-of-Life Planning in Texas 51

Last Will and Testament 51

Medical Power of Attorney 53

Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Living Will) 56

Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (OOH-DNR) 58

Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains 60

Chapter 6: Ensuring the Execution and Accessibility of Your Plan 62

Reviewing and Updating Your End-of-Life Documents 62

Storing and Sharing Your End-of-Life Plan 65

Informing Key Individuals and Healthcare Providers 68

Emergency Preparedness for End-of-Life Situations 70

Considerations for Relocation or Travel 72

Chapter 7: Resources and Support for End-of-Life Planning in Texas 75

Texas-specific End-of-Life Planning Organizations 75

Legal and Financial Advisors in Texas 77

Counseling and Support Services for Individuals and Families 79

Online Tools and Resources for End-of-Life Planning in Texas 82

Chapter 8: Putting Your Plan into Action: A Step by Step Guide 85

Step 1: Assessing Your Current End-of-Life Planning Status 85

Step 2: Educating Yourself on Texas Laws and Options 87

Step 3: Identifying Your Values and Goals 89

Step 4: Communicating Your Wishes to Loved Ones 92

Step 5: Consulting Professionals and Drafting Legal Documents 94

Step 6: Executing, Storing, and Sharing Your Plan 97

Step 7: Regularly Reviewing and Updating Your Plan 99

Step 8: Seeking Support and Guidance as Needed 102

Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions about End-of-Life Planning in Texas 104

How do I choose a healthcare proxy or agent? 104

Can I change my end-of-life plan if my circumstances or wishes change? 107

What legal documents do I need to ensure my wishes are honored? 109

Can I have multiple medical powers of attorney? 111

How do I address religious or cultural considerations in my plan? 113

Chapter 10: Conclusion: Empowering Texans through End-of-Life Planning 115