Talking About Choices Be clear about your motives for raising the issue. Respect that others may not be ready to face their own or another s changes in health or death. Share your feelings and concerns but don t force others to. Identify others who should be involved in the conversations, especially family members who may be responsible for carrying out wishes or decisions. Look for natural opportunities to talk.
Adult children are just as likely to refuse to talk as parents or in-laws.
Recognize that family members will have different perceptions, assumptions, and solutions. Conversations should focus on discovering where those involved agree and disagree. Decide what is most important to accomplish for the family members involved. Knowing someone s goals can help guide future decisions about specific solutions and choices. This article appeared in Consortium Connections, Vol.