“I think a lot of people are scared of actually seeing it written down on paper, but for me it’s more comforting because I don’t have to worry about people guessing what I would have liked.” – Mari, community development specialist
Whether the process of communicating with one another was simple or complex, consistently harmonious or initially upsetting, most families report a feeling of empowerment and a sense of peace once their end-of-life decisions are made and shared.
Read on, or click on the video buttons below for discussion strategies.
When it’s my turn, they’ll know what to do
Lydia, grandmother
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Lydia — When it’s my turn, they’ll know what to do
Transcript:
“Maybe when my husband was alive I was there to decide for him, but when it’s my turn and my husband is not here no more then my kids will have to decide for me, and I know that they’re not going to need an attorney to do that. I know that they already know what to do.”
It’s something that we all face
Nick, physical therapist
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Nick — It’s something that we all face
Transcript:
“It obviously makes you think about those end-of-life issues and it gives you a heavy heart to realize that may well be an issue some day, but it’s something that we all face. We don’t get out of it. It makes you reflect on that briefly and kind of look ahead. Besides that, it made me realize that Mom trusts me enough to involve me in one of the biggest choices of her life, and it’s something I can carry on for her.”
One less thing for them to deal with
Magdalena, medical interpreter/translator
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Magdalena — One less thing for them to deal with
Transcript:
“It’s going to make it easier for them because they are not going to have to be making tough decisions. The decision is already made for them and then they can– they are going to have lots of– well, who knows? They could have a lot of things to deal with and this is a very important thing that they do not have to make the decisions and deal with it.”
Lesson Contents
II. Advance Directives for Health Care
III. Starting an Advance Directive Discussion
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- c.7. Feeling at Peace with Our Decisions
Resources and Tools
Communicate Your Advance Directives for Health Care belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you organize important household papers and begin preparing your estate plan.