Prepare For the End of Life

Modern medicine can do only so much. At some point, medicine must step aside and let palliative, or end-of-life, care take over. Most doctors recognize this fact—in principle. However, some are not actually delivering on that principle as often as they should.

Many oncologists are not prepared to recommend palliative care when death is near, a new study in the journal Cancer reports. While 75 percent of oncologists surveyed said they believe in palliative care, 20 percent said they don't offer it themselves, nor do they refer patients to those who do.

The problem, the authors state, is that most oncologists simply have not been trained in palliative care. Some do not consider this care important or valid.

This is just one more reason you should appoint a health advocate to speak for you when you are unable to do so and write up a health proxy. Take the issue into your own hands. It's up to you and your loved ones to get the care you want when the end is near.

We can provide a referral to an attorney if necessary for you to draft these documents.