Planning for the end of life

Heart failure is a serious chronic condition which, even with the best medical care, may progress over time. The progression of heart failure is unpredictable and varies from person to person, so you may feel uncertain about exactly what to expect in the future. Therefore, it’s important for you and your family to talk about how you want to be cared for in the future should you become very ill and unable to make decisions about your medical care at that time. You should also discuss this with your primary care physician.

Planning for the end of life (the final weeks of life when death is near) shouldn’t be seen as giving up on life, but rather as a positive way to help ease worries you may have about what might happen to you if you are unable to make decisions about your own care or about death and dying. Getting answers to your questions and letting people know what you want at the end of your life can help you feel more in control and give you peace of mind as you go about living your life.

This section looks at the various options that are available to you in planning your future care by way of an advance care directive. You may want to think about these options and discuss them with your family. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to plan for your future care so you can be open and honest about your feelings and try to make choices that are best for you.

Advance care directive
Do-not-resuscitate order
Living will
Financial plan
Questions for your doctor or nurse
Discussions with your family or carer