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What prevents us from sharing our end-of-life wishes with family, friends, and medical providers? The resources on this page, which are provided in conjunction with our I’ve Been Wondering series, provide steps to help you begin planning for and sharing your end-of-life wishes. |
90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important.
27% have actually done so. 60% of people say that making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is extremely important. 56% have not communicated their end-of-life wishes. 80% of people say that if seriously ill, they would want to talk to their doctor about wishes for medical treatment toward the end of their life. 7% report having had this conversation with their doctor. 82% of people say it’s important to put their wishes in writing. 23% have actually done it. |
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What do you need to think about and/or do before you would feel ready to share with others about your
end-of-life wishes? What affairs do you need to get in order and/or share with others (i.e., personal finances, relationships)? Do you have any particular concerns you want to be sure to share (i.e., making sure finances are in order, the care of a family member)? |
When you think about the last phase of your life, what’s most important to you? How would you like this phase to be?
How would you complete this sentence: What matters most to me at the end of life is. . . (i.e., recognizing my children, being in a hospital with excellent care, saying goodbye to the ones I love)? Are there any disagreements or family tensions about which you are concerned? |
Do you have any particular concerns about your health and/or about the last phase of your life?
Would you prefer to be actively involved in decisions about your care? Or would you rather have your doctors do that they think is best? Are there important milestones you’d like to be there for, if possible (i.e., the birth of a grandchild, a significant birthday)? |
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This recording will walk you through Five Wishes, a guide that offers a complete approach to discussing and documenting your care and comfort choices. You may request a free copy of Five Wishes for your own use by submitting the form at the bottom of this page. |
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To request additional information or to schedule a related program for your group or church or a personal/family consultation, contact: Rev. Kathryn Palen Elder Care Ministries kpalen@abcori.org (401) 522-9741 |