In California and I am not sure in how many other States there is something called POLST..i.e. Physician's Order for Life Sustaining Therapy and it is a document signed by both patient and her/his physician that outlines what that patient wishes and does not wish to be their end-of-life care.
Please take a look at the video provided and also the form.
I met with a family today and the patient had recently completed the form and it is serving as an important document, that will be respected, in her care, as she cannot talk, at the moment, but at least her wishes are known. The POLST document has been copied and entered in the patient's records.
Please think about having such a form executed even if you are not seriously ill. And if you wishes change, a new form can be executed and the latest dated form will supersede others.
warmly,
Steve