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Resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis

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How to Prepare, Plan, and Be Present \ Talking About Serious Illness and Care

Talking About Serious Illness and Care

Available in: Español

Serious illness is a communications challenge for everyone. The doctors use words you don’t understand; there are so many different people to talk with—a cast of thousands in the medical world, those closest to you, friends and family further out, colleagues, neighbors. The entire situation is stressful, and sometimes all the communication just makes it all harder. CaringInfo can help. 

In this section, you will learn about:

  • Talking with Your Doctors and Other Healthcare Providers
  • Talking with Your Inner Circle
  • Talking with Your Community
  • Talking with Others About Their End-of-Life Wishes
  • Talking with Yourself
A doctor and woman talking

Talking with the doctor, your inner circle, community, and yourself

Two men are talking.

Some of the communication is incoming—listening to the doctors, understanding what they are saying and your choices, listening to those close to you, and often listening to interested, well-meaning others. Some of the communication is outgoing—telling the doctors what you and your patient want, sharing your fears, hopes and wishes with those close to you, and providing information to your community. Least acknowledged is the communication you have with yourself.

Learn about:

  • How do you talk to the doctor?
  • How do you talk with the inner circle?
  • How do you talk with the larger community?
  • How do you talk with yourself?

Further Guidance

You might find these topics relevant to your journey.

Choosing a Healthcare Agent
Choosing a healthcare agent that you designate and empower to make medical decisions for you should be a thoughtful, considered process. Learn more.
Taking the Time to Listen as a Caregiver
It is important to take the time to listen as a caregiver. Consider how to listen to the person we are caring for, to doctors, and to ourselves.

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A program of the National Alliance for Care at Home

About

CaringInfo, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. CaringInfo’s goal is that all people are making informed decisions about their care. Learn more about CaringInfo.

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