Talking about one’s preferred end-of-life-care is never a easy, but it’s an important conversation to have, especially for families dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The reason for this is simple: as your loved one’s disease progresses, and his or her ability to think and share thoughts declines, it will become more difficult for your loved one to express his or her wishes. And yet, knowing those wishes will be a critical guide to help you through the many decisions that you may have to make.
The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. Started in 2010 by Ellen Goodman, the project strives to make these difficult conversations easier so that we can make sure that our own wishes and those of our loved ones are expressed and respected.
The Conversation Project offers a number of talking points and exercises to help. You can access their Conversation Starter Kit for Families and Loved Ones of People with Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Forms of Dementia for free here.