American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys: While 60 percent of people indicate making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is “extremely important,” 56 percent have not communicated their end-of-life wishes. According to this 2012 survey of Californians by the California HealthCare Foundation, people expect family members to read their minds on end-of-life care preferences.
Unfortunately, this means too many people are dying in a way they wouldn’t choose, and too many of their loved ones are left feeling bereaved, guilty and uncertain.
The Conversation Project, a nonprofit organization co-founded by columnist Ellen Goodman, is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. They offer a wonderful free tool kit to help get the conversation started.