Ending Life Well: Conversations & Connections
How Talking About Death Can Bring Life to Your Relationships
By Alex Trevino , Caregiving and End of Life Specialist
People seem to have plenty of reasons to shy away from having conversations about end-of-life planning. One of the main reasons is that many people think that bringing up this topic will negatively affect their close relationships. While it may be true that, in some situations, loved ones may be hesitant and even try to deflect the conversation, in the long run, having end-of-life conversations can offer numerous social connection benefits. Some of these benefits may include: 1. Enhances Peace of Mind - Openly discussing your end-of-life wishes with loved ones and completing your Advance Directives, can ensure that your preferences are known and respected. For this reason, communicating your preferences with important people around you may reduce the sense of anxiety and concerns about the future. 2. Builds Trust - Having end-of-life conversations cultivates a sense of trust and connection with your loved ones. After all, by making them part of your conversation and involving them in the process, you are trusting your loved ones to honor and advocate for your wishes during difficult times. 3. Strengthens Relationships - Discussions about end-of-life wishes involve honest and deep conversations which may include exposing people’s own vulnerabilities. Being part of these conversations has the potential
to deepen your bonds with family members, friends, and loved ones. 4. Facilitates Planning and Decision- Making - Discussing end-of-life preferences enables your loved ones to better understand your wishes. Having these conversations ahead of time may extend the opportunity to provide greater clarity for the reason and thought behind the decisions you have made. In turn, this makes it easier for your loved ones to advocate and even make decisions on your behalf, if needed. 5. Reduces Conflict - Clear communication about end-of- life preferences as well as your completed Advance Directives can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts among your loved ones. 6. Encourages Reflection and Meaningful Conversations - These discussions prompt reflection since they may require you and your loved ones to look inward in order to discover one’s true values and beliefs. This may facilitate deeper and even more meaningful conversations that can further strengthen relationships. Overall, having end-of-life conversations can foster a sense of connection, understanding, and support among your social network. These discussions may not only have a positive impact on your
social connections, but they may also help ensure that your wishes are honored. I invite you today to start a conversation with your loved ones about your end-of- life care plan. Talking about this topic in a conventional, but consistent way tends to help normalize the topic as well as provide additional clarity about your end-of-life wishes. Do not hesitate to call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262 if you need more information about end-of- life care planning, or how to start your conversations with loved ones.
Shaaron Kent Endowment held at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Page 22 | May/June 2024, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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