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Communicating End-of-Life Wishes

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Communicating End-of-Life Wishes

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Purpose

Discover the value of talking about your end-of-life wishes

Learn how to communicate your end-of-life wishes

Use strategies to clarify and express your wishes

Help others clarify and express their wishes

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Why is talking so important?

Conversations before the ‘crisis’ allow time for honest discussion, reflection and planning

Opportunity to discover important information about yourself and your loved ones

Most important gift you can give to prepare for end of life

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Why is talking so hard?

How do you feel about choices and care around the end of life?

What do you want? What are you worried about? Who will make your decisions for you

if you are unable?

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Interesting to note… Most Americans – 88 percent –

feel comfortable discussing issues relating to death and dying*

Yet…how many of you have had a discussion with your family, a friend, your doctor, or a clergy about YOUR end-of-life wishes?* National Survey on Death, Dying, and Hospice Care in America, VITAS

Innovative Healthcare, 2004

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Conversation Triggers

Family gatherings Death of friend or colleague Newspaper & magazine articles Movies & books Sermons TV talk shows Financial planning Medical checkups

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How To Communicate

Step 1: Introduce the conversation Step 2: Explore personal beliefs and

values Step 3: Define end-of-life wishes Step 4: Document wishes

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Step 1: Introduce the Conversation

Timing is everything!

Private, comfortable place

Begin with a conversation trigger

Importance of expressing end-of-life wishes

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Step 2: Explore Personal Beliefs and Values

Engage in a conversation about beliefs and values- Happiness- Challenging Times- Spirituality- Family/Growing Up- Personal Values- Lifetime Legacies

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Step 3: Define End-of-Life Wishes

Beliefs- How do you want to prepare for death?- What would help you cope?

Choices- Where do you want to spend your last days?- Who do you want near you?- What kind of medical care do you want?

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Step 4: Document Wishes

Complete your Advance Directives- Living Will

- Health Care Power of Attorney

Inform others - Health care professionals, physician

- Family members, friends, self

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Resources in Our Community

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www.caringinfo.org800.658.8898

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FREE Resources Available from Caring Connections

State-specific advance directives Advance care planning Web resources Brochures to download or order:

Conversations Before the Crisis Ask Tough Questions Advance Directives and End-of-Life Decisions Health Care Agents: Appointing One & Being

One You Have Filled Out Your Advance Directive…

Now What?

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It’s About How You LIVE!

Learn about your options, choices and decisions

Implement your advance directive plans

Voice your end-of-life wishes

Engage others to talk about their wishes