Only one-quarter of adults in New Hampshire have completed advance directive forms, also called living wills, despite efforts by legislators, health care workers and advocates to increase their use. One problem is an outdated, confusing form prescribed in state law that slows the process and, on occasion, precludes out-of-state advance directives from being honored in medical facilities in New Hampshire. This series looked at changes being made to the form, the controversial history of end-of-life care, and also investigated why people remain hesitant to complete the document. It also highlighted some successful efforts around the state to get conversations around death and dying started. The final piece looked at the convoluted legal process some families find themselves in when loved ones haven’t left clear direction for their medical wishes. The stories shared viewpoints of families and doctors facing end-of-life decisions, as well as the pressure health care proxies can face in carrying out those desires.
