People often avoid talking about end-of-life issues because no one wants to think about death and dying, as if it's not going to happen to them. Planning, preparation and understanding are the keys to having a dignified, peaceful death which most people claim they would like to have. It doesn't mean, of course, that death will happen tomorrow, next week or even next year. But some day. Talking about what you want when you come to the end of your life can be a very tender, bonding experience with your loved one, and they can benefit by talking with you. We want the best for each other.
Conversations between doctors and patients are also a good idea but sadly this will not be part of the health care reform bill.
We've attached a link from Boston.com that addresses this issue. It discusses the benefits to families, patients in having these conversations. Also find this quote:
“Everybody is afraid of death; it’s part of being a human being. But this regressive thing happens when there’s a big public conversation,’’ said Don Schumacher, president of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “This legislation is an opportunity to begin. Between 2011 and 2028, 70 million people are going to die. That’s a lot of people to care for, and we need to have these conversations."
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