As the New Year
starts, we re-fresh, re-boot, and re-new ourselves. We make goals and
resolutions. We extend ourselves to new ventures or into new
directions.
Winter is also a
time of year we see more elderly friends and clients suffering from
life-threatening illnesses. We may find ourselves wondering if they
have talked with someone about their end of life wishes. In our
society this is a taboo topic.
It's a topic
that raises our fears. It's a topic that changes as health needs
change. It's a topic that involves medical technology – how it
helps and hinders us. It's also a topic that highlights our personal
beliefs and values. What does “quality of life” mean to you?
Having
meaningful conversations with my clients about their values and
wishes is a vital part of my work as a fiduciary. Over the past few
years, there has been a lot of discussion about how medical
technology increases the costs of health care while extending life
expectancy. While the many options available for health care today
offers a life-giving blessing for many, sometimes it also puts us at
odds with our values and the quality of life we would want.
Here's a new
opportunity for a new direction in the new year.
The Conversation
Project is on it's way to Contra Costa County in 2014. Community
leaders are brainstorming ways to highlight the importance of talking
about what matters with our families. You can be part of this
movement. Just by listening in, you can become more in tune with
ways to talk about the difficult topic of death. Learn to face and
how to raise the issue in order to choose the quality of our life,
even in illness.
The Conversation
Project guides people through considering end of life wishes and
talking with significant people about them. The Conversation Project
is a nationwide movement to encourage people to discuss their end of
life wishes with their doctor and loved ones. It's important.
Interested?
Check the
website for The Conversation Project. Let me know and I'll give you
advance notice of the symposium planned for Contra Costa County this
year.
In 2014 listen
up and starting talking.
