Siguientes Pasos

The Spanish-language version of the Next Steps guide, a companion to Cinco Deseos. The guide includes information on completing Cinco Deseos, talking to family members about completing a living will and discussing Cinco Deseos with your doctor. Included are exact words and phrases you can use to start these conversations. There’s also useful guidance on serving as a health care agent and being at the bedside of someone who is seriously ill.

Although Cinco Deseos is itself an excellent guide to discussing your wishes in advance of a serious illness, many people find the subject a difficult one to broach with their doctor, family members and loved ones. Siguientes Pasos contains valuable information and assistance in starting, completing and following up on discussions about end-of-life care.

Siguientes Pasos consists of four sections:

• How to Talk with Loved Ones about Cinco Deseos: Siguientes Pasos walks you through the discussion. It offers tips on talking with your loved ones about their wishes, as well as suggestions on how to talk about your own Cinco Deseos with them.

• How to Talk with Doc about Cinco Deseos: Completing Cinco Deseos is the first step to making your wishes known; the second is making your doctor aware of those wishes. Siguientes Pasos has helpful advice on preparing for your conversation and some ideas on words to use to get the conversation going.

• How to be by the Bedside: If someone you care about becomes very sick or is near death, you may not know what to expect or what to do. Siguientes Pasos prepares you and gives suggestions for what to say and how to offer support and love. People who offer comfort at the bedside later say it is among the most profound experiences of their life that brings deep personal satisfaction.

• Answers to Questions about Cinco Deseos: Siguientes Pasos gives answers to the most frequently asked questions about Cinco Deseos. Like Cinco Deseos, Siguientes Pasos uses everyday language.