CONVERSATION STARTERS
Transcription
CONVERSATION STARTERS
CONVERSATION STARTERS Generation Law 747 N. Church Road, Suite B4B, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-1438 Phone: 630-782-1766 Ben Neiburger, [email protected] www.generationlaw.com Lifecare Innovations Corporate Office 8330 S. Madison Street, Suite 90 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (847) 857-9133 fax (630) 953-2155 North Shore Office 100 S. Saunders Road, Suite 150 Lake Forest, IL 60045 (630) 953-2154 fax (630) 953-2155 Denver Office 7900 E. Union Avenue; Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80237 (303) 495-4379 fax (866) 816-2908 Let’s Talk Turkey Talking about end of life issues with a parent can be an extremely difficult discussion. However, maintaining dignity at the end of life is the most precious gift we can give to someone we love. We understand that starting the conversation is often the toughest part. So we’ve come up with a number of “conversation starters” you can employ to get things going while everyone is gathered for Thanksgiving. This isn’t a script for every instance. But these are simple suggestions on how to begin the dialogue. Share this document with friends an other relatives so the conversation continues and dignity prevails. Elements, the cremation company 24/7: 855.550.5151 Direct: 708.650.4569 [email protected] www.elementscremation.com ”Mom, you know how much I love you. And I know that if you get sick, you don't want to be burden on us kids or the family. I know you want to stay independent for as long as possible. Tell me what you want me to do if you get really sick. What matters most to you at the end of life? What can I do to protect you and your dignity?" www.generationlaw.com www.elementscremation.com www.lcius.com "Dad, I remember when Grandpa had his stroke. You had to make some pretty tough decisions and it all happened very quickly. If something like that happened to you or Mom, how would you have us do things differently? Is there anything you can tell me that would help me make decisions on your behalf?” “A colleague of mine just lost his mother. She had a long illness and endured a lot of pain. Just so I know, if you were to develop a painful condition that can’t be cured, do you want us to look into hospice? Should I tell the doctors to give you treatment no matter how painful it might be, if there’s even a small chance that you will live?” “Dad, I need an important favor from you. Will you write down your wishes for me? If you were unconscious and I had to make decisions for you, I want to know what you would want me to do. Would you want a feeding tube? A ventilator? Are there things your own parents went through that you would like to avoid?” “Mom, I know I’m relatively young. But I just made this list of instructions for my wife and kids so they’ll know what to do if I have a big medical setback or accident. What do you think? Would you write this same set of instructions, or would you do it differently?” "Have you ever thought about whether you wanted to be cremated or buried? When my friend’s mother passed they didn’t use a traditional funeral home. I didn’t know there were other people who could help. The family coordinated a fantastic event celebrating their mother’s life along with the cremation service. Her mom even helped plan some of the service while she was still alive." www.generationlaw.com www.elementscremation.com www.lcius.com