Your best friend just asked you to be her health care power of attorney. Now what? Now, sit down and have a real discussion about what she wants if the worst happens. Would she want to be kept alive no matter what? What if she was no longer able to breathe on her own; if she was permanently unconscious? By completing her health care power of attorney and living will, she is taking control of her healthcare decisions. As her health care power of attorney, you will be her voice if she can’t speak for herself. After her advance directives are complete, ask her to return the favor. After all, that’s what besties are for. Visit hospicewr.org/decisions for helpful information, videos and free downloads. NORTHERN OHIO’S HOSPICE OF CHOICE 800.707.8922 | hospicewr.org | /hospicewr April 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 47