Starting Conversations: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Talking about the end of our life can feel taboo, but the fact is we will all be in that stage of life at some point, and having a plan, or at least making our wishes known, can make a better end of life experience for yourself and your loved ones. Having these discussions can be extremely helpful in identifying what we want, and just as important, what we don’t want through the different stages of life.

Having trouble getting this conversation started? That's okay! This can be a tricky topic to approach. Try asking yourself or a loved one some of the questions below to get the conversation flowing.

Questions to consider:

What does quality of life mean to me? Reducing symptoms, being comfortable, living longer with the risk of side effects, being around loved ones, etc...
If my time were short, what would a good day look like? Spending time with family and friends, fighting for a cure with my care team, reducing symptoms and being comfortable, etc...
What do I need to do to get my affairs in order? Finances, property, relationships, pets, etc...
What worries me most about the future?
What do I want to happen to my body? Do I want to be an organ donor?
If I can't achieve my plan A, what is my plan B?

Communication

Communication is key in receiving the care you and your loved ones want.

Community Poll

Have you started conversations with loved ones about what you or they want their care to look like?

Advanced directives

Services and legal documents

Community Poll

Are you aware of the services and legal documents available to make your or your loved one's end of life wishes become a reality?

Treatment

Curative vs life-sustaining treatment

Community Poll

If a curative treatment is no longer an option, where would you or your loved one like to spend time at the end of life?

Power of attorney

Making decisions

Community Poll

If you or your loved on becomes unable to make decisions, has someone been identified to make these decisions on behalf of the patient?

Join the conversation!

Talking with others about their experience can also be helpful in approaching this topic. Join the conversation here to share your thoughts or hear from others regarding advanced directives.

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