Learning About End of Life

Start the Conversation

Death is something everyone has in common and most of us would prefer that experience to arrive comfortably, dignified, and peacefully, without much burden to our family. There’s no calendar or schedule that can predict the exact moment of death, but we can be assured that day will come. Many of us have already experienced a family member who has died, perhaps without an advance directive or advance care plan, and understand how challenging that can be.

While death isn’t a hot topic among family at holidays, and for some it may be quite uncomfortable, hospice experts recommend people have the end-of-life conversation. In fact, these difficult conversations should be framed not as one big moment, but a series of discussions to be had long before one’s death, or even hospitalization. Planning the death experience with family is an invaluable gift to your loved ones and can be some of the most meaningful and intimate moments to share. Studies have shown that end-of-life discussions may reduce the regrets, depression, and grief among survivors.

End-of-life planning includes the logistics of medical care, caregiving, advance directives, designations of healthcare proxy, documented wishes, estate beneficiaries, hospice care, and all that surrounds someone dying. Talking about death also includes describing a person’s desired quality of life before death. Making these kinds of end-of-life decisions before a crisis occurs will dramatically reduce the fear and stress of the dying person as well as their loved ones.