The approach to end-of-life care varies widely throughout the world and is influenced by medical, cultural, social, and legal considerations. Talking about the likely outcomes of illness, including death and dying, is an important part of health care. Doctors and patients vary in the language they use and in their comfort level regarding such discussions.
People also vary in their comfort level regarding the amount of information and involvement in decision making that they want. Seriously ill people and their loved ones should generally try to understand the likely future course of their illness as well as the options for living with their particular disabilities and family situation.
People should make any preferences about treatment and family support known. Such preferences are known as advance directives. People who do not talk with their families and health care providers about their preferences for care near the end of their life may receive treatments (such as chemotherapy or surgery) or end up living in situations (such as a hospital or nursing home) they would not have wanted.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Compassion and Choices: Provides end-of-life planning tools and information about end-of-life care advocacy
The Conversation Project: Provides tools to prepare for and have conversations about wishes for care through the end of life
