This is one of the many examples of how we can open the conversation with our family and healthcare professional to express how we will want to die. The Five Wishes is a document that lists: who you want to make medical decisions for you when you are not able to, the kinds of medical treatment you do or do not want, how you want your pain and symptoms managed, how you want to be treated at the end, and what you want your loved ones to know.

Please consider downloading this document and thinking about your answers, regardless of your age or medical condition.

It's very true that we can't predict the future, and no one can totally plan their end of life. The important thing is to begin the process. Too many people have a death that is a drastic, medical emergency - filled with indignity and pain - it doesn't have to be that way!