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.

In these challenging times its more important than ever to share your wishes with the people you love. Check out the conversation starter kit available on The Conversation Project’s website. In addition, the Conversation Project, in partnership with the Ariadne Labs  recently published a useful new guide that gives you practical advice on how to Being Prepared in the Time of COVID-19. All materials are free and available for download.

The goal is to build community awareness around the importance of having conversations about advance care planning. For those of you not familiar with the group, Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Ellen Goodman started The Conversation Project following her own personal experience taking care of her mother towards the end of her life. The 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.

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.

To find more tools and resources, please visit the resources section of the Cambia Health Foundation website.