How to Start a Conversation About EOL Care

90% of people think it's important to talk about EOL wishes with loved ones.
27% of people have actually had these conversations.
1 in 5 said they avoided the subject out of worry about upsetting loved ones.
Majority say they want to die at home, but 60% die in hospitals/institutions.

It is clear that we have a problem about engaging in EOL care conversations!
Studies show that when loved ones engage in meaningful EOL conversations, 1.  There is less guilt and depression for the survivors.  
2.  Thinking about these issues before a medical crisis, allows loved ones to make decisions based on values and wishes, instead of stress and fear.
3.  Take time beforehand to discover what you want to address.
4.  Seek guidance - either The Conversation Project or a Death Doula, that can help with education, knowledge and direction.  
5.  List of helpful questions that The Conversation Project suggest:

• As a patient, how much do you want to know about your condition? Just the basics? All the details? Something in between?
  
• How much information should doctors share with your loved ones?
  
• Which family member will be the primary decision maker?
  
• If you have a terminal illness, do you want to know how quickly it is progressing? How much time doctors think you have to live?
  
• Do you want to get treatment indefinitely, no matter how uncomfortable it gets, or is quality of life more important than quantity?
  
• Do you want to spend your last days at home, or are you OK being in a hospital or nursing facility?
  
• When the time comes, would you rather be alone, or surrounded by loved ones?

How to Start a Conversation About EOL Care