Another approach, known as best interests, is to decide what you as their representative think is best for the dying person. Some experts believe that decisions should be based on substituted judgment whenever possible. One is to put yourself in the place of the person who is dying and try to choose as they would. Two approaches might be useful when you encounter decisions that have not been addressed in a personвЂ™s advance care plan or in previous conversations with them. Decision-making strategies: Substituted judgment and best interests

Hospice staff can help determine whether a medical condition is part of the normal dying process or something that needs the attention of health care personnel.ДЇor situations that are not addressed in a personвЂ™s advance care plan, or if the person does not have such a plan, you can consider different decision-making strategies to help determine the best approach for the person. If end-of-life care is given at home, you will need a special out-of-hospital order, signed by a doctor, to ensure that emergency medical technicians, if called to the home, will respect the personвЂ™s wishes. If the person has written documents as part of an advance care plan, such as a do not resuscitate order, tell the doctor in charge as soon as possible. Addressing a personвЂ™s advance care wishes Even when you have written documents, some decisions still might not be clear. It is even more difficult if you do not have written or verbal guidance.

It can be overwhelming to be asked to make health care decisions for someone who is dying and is no longer able to make their own choices.

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