Advanced Directives — Say you care: Start the Conversation

For most Americans, death remains the ultimate taboo. No one wants to think about it, much less talk about it. Yet dying is a natural part of life. Recognizing this helps us improve the quality of our lives and the lives of those we care about. There are many options in end-of-life care, and families often are forced to make those decisions for those they love during a time of crisis. Planning for care at the end of life is important to all citizens, especially older Americans. Taking time to have these conversations—well before a medical crisis—may be one of the most caring gifts we can give to those we love.

In response to this issue, Indiana Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (IHPCO) has launched a public education campaign, entitled Say You Care: Start the Conversation, which is designed to spark conversations about end-of-life issues.

"Sadly, while people say they want quality at the end-of-life, they often avoid the discussions that make dying well possible," commented Harriet O’Connor, IHPCO President/CEO. "Without such conversations, medical emergencies can take us by surprise."

Packets of informational material have been developed to help families through these sometimes difficult conversations. Each packet contains a range of materials that is intended to guide families through the entire process. The materials included in each packet are:

• "Ice breaker" conversation starter cards to help loved ones initiate discussions about end-of-life care decisions.
• A Planning Workbook that takes families step-by-step through the process of thinking about what is important to not only their loved ones, but also themselves. It helps families make financial decisions, plan their funeral/burial, and reflect on their relationships with family members and loved ones. Also included in the workbook are various Advance Directives.
• A Medical Emergency wallet card included in each packet that is designed to indicate your basic end-of-life care wishes, medical emergency contact information, and the placement of signed Advance Directives.
• Informational pieces that provide information to individuals in different stages of end-of-life decisions and care.
• Say You Care Packets are also available in Spanish (stage 1 packets only).

To order a packet, please click here or the button above to download and print the order form. Fill it out and mail it to IHPCO at: 445 N Pennsylvannia St, Ste910, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Funding for Say You Care: Start the Conversation is provided by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, which seeks to help people in need, especially women, children and families; to protect animals and nature; and to enrich community life in the metropolitan areas of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Phoenix, Arizona.