How To Talk to Other Friends and Family

See How To Talk to Your Friends and Family

You may have other close family and friends who are NOT your medical decision maker.

But, they may be close to you or have strong opinions about your medical care.

If you have chosen a medical decision maker, it would be important to tell your family and friends about this person.
If you know how much flexibility you want to give your medical decision maker, let your family and friends know this too.
Also, tell your close family and friends about what is most important to you in life and your wishes for medical care.

Click the video to learn more. Your situation may be different.

Time: 1:38

Video Transcript

Jorge: I’m so glad we could all get together. There are some things that have been on my mind that I need to speak with you about.

Linda: OK

Jorge: My doctors asked me to choose a medical decision maker in case I can’t make medical decisions for myself. You know, what with my heart problems and all.

Rita: Have things gotten worse?

Jorge: No, but I think that it is really important to do this now, while I am healthy enough to talk to you about it.

Linda: OK, so tell us what you've been thinking.

Jorge: Well, even though we always make decisions as a family, and I want us to work together like always, I want you to know that I’ve asked Vera to be the spokesperson for the family—the one who talks to the doctors and makes the final decisions.

Jorge: I know she’s the youngest, but she’s been to the doctor with me, she knows my medical problems. And I’ve talked with her, she knows what I want in terms of medical care.

Rita: Like what?

Jorge: Well, if the doctors recommend it, it’s OK to go to the ICU and to try a breathing machine and other treatments for a while. But I realize my heart could get worse at any time. That’s why I also gave Vera permission to work with the doctors and to use her good judgment when making decisions for me.

Vera: I really will do my best to do right by Uncle Jorge.

Jorge: I really hope you can all work together and not argue if Vera needs to make medical decisions for me that not everyone agrees with. Can you all agree to that?

Linda: I think so.

Vera: I was afraid everyone would be upset. Thank you uncle for bringing this up. I’m really glad we are talking about this now.

Jorge: Me too.