I have worked rehab in the Burn ICU down here for about a year now. And within about the first three months of working there my family knew my wishes for my end of life/catastrophic injury care.

I have seen several times now, families fighting over just what should be done as their loved one slowly declines in health. Sometimes they decide to let them go peacefully into the night; others fight for every little chance at recovery they have no matter the odds.

Which brings me to the point here. Everyone, not just grandma and grandpa should take a minute and think about what they would want their family to do if the unthinkable happens. Speaking with your doctor about it, your family, and anyone who might have to make those decisions for you.

It's one more bit of personal responsibility. Despite amazing advancements in healthcare, we are all still destined to die at some point. I know a great many of the nutjobs out there think that speaking with a physician concerning your own death is the craziest thing ever, but in reality it is one of the most responsible things you could ever do.

Because frankly, I think most of us given a less than 5% chance of recovery, (and then it's a question of what kind of recovery in some cases) would rather our families let us go quietly than continuing to fight on and on and piling up a crushing amount of debt to be paid afterwards. And some people may feel the opposite, that they have to fight until that very bitter end when the only thing that could save you would be the Almighty coming down in person and getting you out of bed himself.

Either way, speak with your family, and your physician about it. Even if you're a young buck like myself at 28.