The Importance of an Advanced Health Care Directive

Acclaimed author and Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez shares the story of helping his mother and sister care for his aging and ill father. The senior Mr. Lopez underwent quadruple bypass surgery and suffered several mini-strokes The experience led Steve to pen candid columns about his father's suffering and the challenges presented by a healthcare system often ill prepared for a patient's end of life journey. Steve also investigated the the high cost of dying in America, the growing field of palliative care and the obstacles to dying with dignity that persist. One key discovery was the importance of having one's end of life wishes clearly documented in an Advanced Health Care Directive.