Starting Conversations: Advanced Directives
Starting conversations about end of life care can be very difficult. When is the right time to start that conversation? Who do we start the conversation with? What are the next steps after a conversation? Hearing about others experience with these talks can be helpful. Share your thoughts or ask a question below:
I'm at final stage COPD, prostate cancer spreading to bones, osteoarthritis right hip, etc. and under Hospice care. The social worker from Hospice was most helpful in broaching the end-of-life issues with my wife and daughters, the local hospital has some
helpful guidelines also. It's a lot more difficult with the grand-children. I have a spiritual program which helps me accept my situation, but my fervent wish is for my family and friends to get through this with the least amount of grief.
These are good pointers,
, thanks for posting! I'm really glad you had this support in having conversations with your family. I don't think anyone has the perfect answer to broaching this with younger people. Perhaps a spiritual approach could be helpful to them too, when possible. This article talks a bit about talking to kids about cancer. While some of it doesn't apply to end of life, it reflects some of what you're saying: https://prostatecancer.net/living/talk-children-grandchildren-cancer. We're glad you're here. - Nina, ProstateCancer.net Team
I found a therapist helps in bringing topics to the surface that your wife or family may want to ignore. but getting them to attend therapy with you is hard and often met with strong resistance, after all they don't have a problem.
so glad you are seeing a therapist. It is so important to have someone you can share all the topics with. I wish you weren't met with resistance from your family to have them come with you. Thanks for sharing and being open with us. Jill, prostatecancer.net team
