Communicating Your End-of-Life Wishes

You plan for your education, for vacations, for weddings, for the birth of a child, for your retirement and for so many other major life events - yet you may rarely think about the need to plan how you want to live in the final phase of your life.  

Ours is a death-denying culture.  It's not surprising that talking openly about death can seem so difficult.  But it's vital to have serious, thoughtful and personal communication on this important subject with loved ones.  You might choose a significant family gathering like a birthday or anniversary as the opportunity to have this conversation, or while you are drawing up your will, doing estate planning, or if a medical diagnosis indicates a serious change in your health.  

Sharing your end-of-life care preferences with your loved ones now, while you are still able to communicate, can help them make sure that your wishes are followed. Decisions may include answers to the following questions:

• What kind of medical treatments or interventions do you think you would want?
• How important is it to be physically independent and stay in your own home?
• Would you prefer to die at home if possible?

These are not simple questions, and your views may change as your physical condition or circumstances change.  

Make sure you have an Advance Directive in place. Let your doctor know that you are completing your Advance Directive. Ask your doctor to explain any treatments and procedures that may seem confusing before you complete your Directive. Talk about pain and symptom management options. Make sure your doctor is willing to follow your Directive. Give your doctor and family members copies of your completed Directive.