Expressing Your Wishes
How to Discuss End-of-Life Care and Decisions
Share Your “Why”
Navigating end-of-life discussions can be difficult, for you and your family. However, taking initiative and planning these conversations can bring a sense of peace and empowerment to everyone involved. Here are some tips to communicate well. Start by communicating why you have decided to talk about these issues.
Here are some things to consider:
Did a particular event cause you to make the decision?
Did a news article or a family member’s experience make you think about it?
What is motivating you to take these actions now?
Be Yourself
Remind your loved ones that you are still you. Sharing your personal concerns and values, spiritual beliefs or views about what brings meaning to your life can be as helpful as talking about specific treatments and circumstances. Consider discussing the following topics with your loved ones:
What aspects of your life provide the most meaning?
How do your religious or spiritual beliefs affect your attitudes toward dying?
What is your attitude toward death?
Come Prepared
Sharing end-of-life care decisions will help ensure your wishes are followed, and ease uncertainty and burden for your family. Have an open conversation about the following topics:
How important is it to you to be physically independent and stay in your own home?
Would you want your health care agent (or surrogate decision maker) to take into account the effect your illness has on any other people?
Would you prefer to die at home, if possible?
Be Honest
Staying honest and compassionate with yourself and your loved ones can help alleviate concerns surrounding death. Make an Advance Care Plan and continue to reassess your decisions over time. It is important that you review these issues and continue to discuss choices as your personal health or circumstances change.