The Conversation

I watched a story the other day on ABC News about what they referred to as “The Conversation.”  The “conversation” they are referring to is the one about end-of-life care.  According to the story, simply having this conversation with your family about what your end-of-life wishes are will dramatically reduce the likelihood of post-death depression in your family members.  I concur in the implications of the story.  Terminating a loved one’s life support is probably the most difficult decision a family will have to make.Without exception, the people we meet with have very certain convictions about their end-of-life wishes.  However, when we counsel them to have that “conversation” with their loved ones the air often comes out of the room.  Dying is part of life.  It is inevitable and it will come to each of us.  One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is to have that conversation.  Let them know how you feel about them and how you want your end-of-life care to be approached.  Prepare the proper legal documents to provide authority.  These documents may have different names depending on where you reside: Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney, or Advance Health Care Directive.  But, never neglect that all important conversation.  You can watch the ABC News story here:   http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/conversation-familys-private-decision-17438081