(aging) Starting Conversations About End-of-life Issues.pdf

IT’S ALL ABOUT TALKING
Starting Conversations About End-of-life Issues


Talk is the single most important thing that people can do to assure that their final days
are spent as they would prefer. They must let those who may at some point be involved
with their end-of-life care know what is important to them. Trusted people can include
family members, friends, physicians and spiritual advisors. Talking and planning ahead
for end-of-life care not only increases the likelihood that a person’s wishes will be
followed, it also lessens stress on loved ones as well as caregivers.

Why Talking Is So Important

• Medical technology has much to offer but it can also give rise to hard
decisions. The same technology that can support life and enable the body
to heal can support life when the body can no longer heal. Indeed, life-
support technology may even add to the experience of suffering.

• Someone has to decide if, how much and how long these medical
treatments should be continued. Is there a point when fortable
and free of pain should have priority over invasive tests and treatments
aimed at the disease? When is that time? Ideally, the patient should guide
those decisions; but when the patient cannot speak others must decide.

• Making decisions for someone else without knowing the patient’s own
preferences can be both pain