There are certain conversations that we all find difficult to have, and advance care planning discussions rank right there at the top. It’s not surprising that, according The Conversation Project, 60 percent of people surveyed say that they don’t want their families burdened by end-of-life decisions, yet 56 percent say that they haven’t conveyed their wishes to their families. It’s a topic that most people find uncomfortable, but it’s so important to talk to family and loved ones about what matters most to you.

Following her own personal experience taking care of her mother towards the end of her life, Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Ellen Goodman started The Conversation Project . Her experience proved very difficult and, as a result, she wanted to help people understand how to have these conversations as a way to gain insights and understanding into what issues matter most to people towards the end of their lives.

• For those people who are looking for tools to help you have the difficult conversations, there is a conversation starter kit available on The Conversation Project’s website.
• For those who are coping with family members who are suffering from dementia, there is a special starter kit available.
• The Conversation Project has also recently published a useful new guide that gives you practical advice on how to select a health care proxy. All materials are free and available for download.

Preparation is the key.  The shared understanding of wishes, values and preferences is a gift for everyone. If we, as a community, can come together and talk about our hopes, fears, concerns and plans for our health care through all stages of life, it can be both empowering and comforting.