Patients & Families

Hearing that you or a loved one may be nearing the end of life because of a serious illness or injury is very difficult. 

When you feel ready to consider choices about end-of-life medical care, it is very important to have "goals of care" discussions with your doctor to help define your values and goals for medical care. 

In Massachusetts, spouses or other family members may not always be authorized to make medical decisions for a patient in all situations or settings.  That is why it is important for all adults, aged 18 and older, healthy or sick, to sign a health care proxy form as the first step in planning for future medical care.  For more information, click on health care proxy form.

For persons who are very sick, Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) may also be suitable.  MOLST is a process and form that can be used by a person and his or her doctor to convert the patient's wishes about end-of-life medical treatments into medical orders that are to be honored by health professionals in any setting (e.g. at home or in a hospital or nursing home). 

Frequently Asked Questions about MOLST
Answers to commonly asked questions about Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment.

About the MOLST form
Provides more information about how and when the MOLST form is filled out and about the treatment decisions included on the MOLST form.

Video Stories - How MOLST Can Help
Patients, family members, clergy and health care professionals describe how MOLST can make a difference in this 13-minute video about MOLST in Massachusetts.

Glossary of Terms
The words used to discuss end-of-life care issues are often confused by the public and health professionals alike.  These definitions may be helpful.