Bioethical Matters: Have you heard of the Conversation Project? Here’s the link: http://theconversationproject.org/
This project is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those near the end of their lives. On the website it says that 56% of Americans have not communicated their end-of-life wishes. Are you one of those in the majority that have not told anyone what you’d prefer to have happen at the end of your life?
The great thing about the Conversation Project is that they have tools to assist anyone with having this vital conversation. They even have a list of potential phrases you can use to begin this conversation, such as, “I need to think about the future. Will you help me?”
In my opinion, we all need to tell as many people as possible what we would like since it’s not uncommon that differing people may claim to have understood differing things. One way to avoid that is to also put your wishes in writing, along with designating who you would like to have speak for you at the end of your life. That type of document is called an Advance Directive and it may be accomplished through a medical documentation form called a POLST (physician’s orders for life sustaining treatment).