family members to do advance care planning for themselves so that you would know what they would want if you had to make decisions on their behalf. Talking with family, friends and your healthcare team Talking with your family, friends and your healthcare team about your wishes and concerns is a very important part of the advance care planning process. Sometimes it can be difficult and painful to discuss these matters. It’s often better to have these discussions while you’re in good health rather when the end of life is near. You then have the time and peace of mind to think about and discuss your future care and get more information if you need it. Here are some suggestions to help start the conversations with your family, friends, and healthcare team: With your family, you start by saying that you have been reading about advance care planning and you feel it is something you would like to do. You can then say that you would like to talk to them about your advance care plan once you’ve finished it. While you’re working on your plan, it’s sometimes helpful to discuss your questions with your doctor to make sure you’re working with accurate information about possible treatments, etc. And most people will talk to their spouse, partner or a close family member while they’re thinking about and writing down their plan. You don’t have to do your plan alone, but you can make all your own decisions. Once you’ve finished your plan, you might start by sharing it first with your spouse, partner or other close family member. You may then wish to your plan with other family members and friends, either a few people at a time or in a group setting. Try to organize things so
family members to do advance care planning for themselves so that you would know what they would want if you had to make decisions on their behalf. Talking with family, friends and your healthcare team Talking with your family, friends and your healthcare team about your wishes and concerns is a very important part of the advance care planning process. Sometimes it can be difficult and painful to discuss these matters. It’s often better to have these discussions while you’re in good health rather when the end of life is near. You then have the time and peace of mind to think about and discuss your future care and get more information if you need it. Here are some suggestions to help start the conversations with your family, friends, and healthcare team: With your family, you start by saying that you have been reading about advance care planning and you feel it is something you would like to do. You can then say that you would like to talk to them about your advance care plan once you’ve finished it. While you’re working on your plan, it’s sometimes helpful to discuss your questions with your doctor to make sure you’re working with accurate information about possible treatments, etc. And most people will talk to their spouse, partner or a close family member while they’re thinking about and writing down their plan. You don’t have to do your plan alone, but you can make all your own decisions. Once you’ve finished your plan, you might start by sharing it first with your spouse, partner or other close family member. You may then wish to your plan with other family members and friends, either a few people at a time or in a group setting. Try to organize things so
Book2-complete.docx