We all understand the importance of planning. We plan for graduations and weddings, we plan for retirement and we love to plan for vacations; but most Americans do not consider the importance of planning when it comes to medical decision making. Talking about your healthcare wishes with your family is a gift. If you become critically ill and cannot communicate, your loved ones and medical team must make important decisions about your care. These decisions will have serious impacts on your end-of-life experience.

Creating an advance directive and learning how to discuss end-of-life care with...