Return to Aging with Dignity's Home Page

 

Next Steps
Discussing and coping with serious illness


Using Five Wishes just got even easier!  One of the questions we’ve heard most from the more than eleven million Americans who are already using Five Wishes is:  “How can I be sure that my wishes will be followed?”  The answers are in Next Steps: Discussing and coping with serious illness.

Next Steps contains information that every person who fills out Five Wishes should have.  That’s why it’s ideal for individuals, families, health care facilities, employers, places of worship, and any other group that distributes Five Wishes.

Next Steps contains four sections.  Click on the section titles below to view excerpts.

1)  How to talk with loved ones about Five Wishes:  Talking about the care you or your loved ones would want if you get very sick is one of the most important things you can do – it can also be one of the hardest.  This guide walks you though 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 Five Wishes with them.   

2)  How to Talk with Doc about Five Wishes:  Completing Five Wishes is the fist step to making your wishes known.   The next step is making your doctor aware of those wishes.  But, talking with your doctor is not always easy.  That’s why we provide this section in Next Steps.  It has helpful hints on preparing for your conversation, and some ideas on the exact words you can use to get the conversation going. 

3)  How to be by the bedside:  If someone you care about gets very sick, you may not know what to expect or what to do.  This section is intended to help you and your loved ones make the best of this time.  

4)  Answers to Questions about Five Wishes:  This section includes answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Five Wishes.

 The information in Next Steps is important for anyone who completes Five Wishes.  Whether you’ve already filled out Five Wishes, intend to complete the document, or plan to distribute it, Next Steps is a valuable companion to Five Wishes.

 

Contact Aging with Dignity

other options for ordering...



Talking with Family

Talking with Doc

Being by the Bedside

Questions & Answers