We hope you will take a few moments to read through this powerful and useful information from the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization about discussing your end-of-life care:

It's All About Talking…

It's all about talking…talking with your loved ones about your health care preferences; talking with your doctor about your options so that you can make informed decisions; and talking with your health care agent so your wishes are honored if you can not make decisions yourself.

Talking before a crisis can help you and your loved ones prepare for any difficult decisions related to health care at the end of life.  This section will help you voice your decisions and plans for your care at the end of life to others. 

How to talk with your loved ones about end-of-life care issues

Remember, it's up to you to take the initiative and express your wishes.  Your family or loved ones are not likely to raise the issue for you.  Talking about end-of-life issues can be difficult for anyone.  One way to approach the subject is to talk about why you have decided to talk about these issues. 

For example:

• Did a particular event cause you to make the decision?
• Did a case you read about in the newspaper or something that happened to a family member make you think about it?
• Is the decision part of a broader effort on your part to prepare for the end of life, for instance making your last will and testament for distribution of your property?
• What is motivating you to take these actions now?

Sometimes sharing your personal concerns and values, spiritual beliefs, or views about what makes life worth living can be as helpful as talking about specific treatments and circumstances.

For example:

• How important is it to be physically independent and to stay in your own home? (Independence can be extremely important to some and is less so to others.)
• What aspects of your life give it the most meaning?
• How important would it be for you to be able to recognize people or interact with them?
• What are your particular concerns about dying? About death?
• How do your religious or spiritual beliefs affect your attitudes toward dying and death?
• Would you want your health care agent to take into account the effect of your illness on any other people?
• Should financial concerns enter into decisions about your treatment?
• Would you prefer to die at home if possible?

One final point: reassess your decisions over time. These are not simple questions and your views may change. It is important that you review these issues and discuss your choices as your personal health or circumstances change in your life.

For further information about Living & Ethical Wills, Advance Directives, and other end-of-life care issues, please visit the NHPCO website.