We encourage everyone to start a conversation about what their wishes might be at the end of life. When a family is planning the delivery of a child, medical providers help them fill out a “birth plan” outlining their wishes for the delivery. We are encouraging people to create a similar plan for the end of life, which can be accomplished with a few recommended steps:

Step 1: Discern your values

• Worksheet to consider your personal priorities
• PREPARE website

Step 2: Document your wishes

• Five Wishes comprehensive advanced directive and guide
• Decide “who speaks for me?” Healthcare Power of Attorney Form
• National POLST Form for people with a serious illness or frailty
• “Dear Doctor” Letter – simple letter to your doctor about your values and life goals

Step 3: Discuss both your values and your wishes with your loved ones

• The Conversation Project can guide you through a conversation with your loved ones
• Consumer Toolkit for Health Care Advance Planning from the American Bar Association
• Death over Dinner – website to facilitate the conversation

Other resources:

• Atul Gawande’s book “Being Mortal: Medicine and what matters in the end”
• 2014 Institute of Medicine Report –“Dying in America”