28 years together in January and no marriage likely at this rate.

The scary thing is that even those people who go to the trouble of having Medical Powers of Attorney and Living Wills often end up with the partner sitting outside the room, while the hospital staff talks to family. It doesn't always happen, but enough that I don't want to depend on all those legal documents. After all, what's the use of suing the hospital after the fact. You want your loved one with you when you are sick or injured.