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It feels weird to think about planning what will happen at the end of your life.
But when you get past those natural feelings, it makes perfect sense.
Creating an end-of-life plan while you’re still able-bodied ensures you have control over what happens to you and it eliminates the stress those decisions would create for your family.
Most people haven’t talked about their own death or dying with anyone. But it’s never too early to talk about it with your loved ones, to share your concerns, fears and what’s important to you.
How early should people begin having discussions about end-of-life care? What is palliative care and how is it different than hospice care?
In Episode 74, Dr. G and his guest, Michael Sigman, MD, discuss why it’s important to plan the end of life and how to go about it.
Guest
Myths vs. Facts
“Palliative care means I am dying.” – Myth
You can benefit from and enroll in palliative care at any point in the course of a disease.
“Palliative care is available at any age.” – Fact
Palliative care is not just for people at the end of their lives. The earlier it’s discussed, the more options are available to improve quality of life and treat symptoms.
“Palliative care is only for people with cancer.” – Myth
Palliative care is beneficial across a range of chronic illnesses.
“Although conversations about my serious illness aren’t easy, talking about my concerns can bring a sense of comfort and support for me and my family.” – Fact
Talking about end-of-life care allows people to process their own mortality. It allows the patient to have the power to make their own decisions and it gives their loved ones a road map of how to take care of them that honors what they want.
“I must stay in the hospital to get palliative care.” – Myth
People can receive palliative care wherever they live.
“In palliative care, the focus of the treatment is toward symptom control and comfort; you can continue to receive aggressive treatment if you meet criteria for the program.” – Fact
Palliative care can be provided alongside treatment for chronic illness.
Listener healthy OH-YEAH!
Question: What are some of “the little things” that brighten your day? “Took a break from our Sunday night commitment and relaxed. It felt pretty darn good!” – A.K.
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