Starting the Conversation
Learn how to navigate important discussions about healthcare wishes with thoughtful questions and conversation-starting prompts.
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Often the most difficult part of having a conversation around healthcare wishes and priorities can be simply getting started. Thinking through some practical considerations for yourself and your care recipient can help you as you begin these important conversations.
Questions to consider:
- What drives your decisions?
- What values or beliefs are important to you?
- What makes life worth living?
- What does a good day look like?
- What worries do you have around your future health?
Conversation starters to try as a caregiver:
- “I want to talk with you about some things I’ve been thinking about related to your health condition.”
- “This may not be the easiest of conversations, but one that I feel is necessary.”
- “I was thinking about what happened to… and it made me realize…”
- “I want to talk with you about what matters to you most when thinking about your health condition and future care decisions.”