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Support Groups and Counseling

Having the support of health care providers, family, and friends is essential to effectively coordinate all of the needs of a person with heart failure.

People with severe heart failure have special needs beyond standard medical care.

• Advance directives are legal documents that tell doctors and hospitals what treatments you might not want, should you become unable to speak for yourself.
  
  
• A living will provides instructions while you are still alive, for example, if you have specific wishes if your heart or breathing stops.
  
  
• A medical durable power of attorney allows someone you designate to make medical decisions on your behalf, if you become unable to make these decisions.
  
  
• Hospice care may be required when you and your physicians agree that your prognosis for survival is poor. Professional hospice caregivers emphasize pain control and emotional support.