Dying is a universal experience. Nearly everyone has a story about a good death or a hard death among those they love. The difference between these experiences may rest on whether individuals have shared their wishes for how they want to spend their final days. 

How an individual wants to die is the most important and costly conversation Americans aren’t having. Consider these facts: 

• 90% of people think it’s important to talk about end-of-life wishes, but only 27% have done so. 
• One in five respondents to a 2018 survey by the “Conversation Project” said they’ve avoided this subject out of worry about upsetting their loved ones. 
• A sizeable majority of people say they want to die at home, but 60% die in hospitals or other institutions. 

“While planning one’s final days is never easy, it’s an invaluable gift to your loved one,” says Deb Toth, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac advance care planning specialist. “Studies show that when there is meaningful conversation about end-of-life choices, survivors report feeling less guilt and less depression and having an easier time of grieving. 

“Thinking through these issues before a medical crisis – at the kitchen table rather than in the ICU – will help individuals and their loved ones make decisions based on what they value most without the influence of stress and fear,” Toth adds. 

Starting Wednesday, September 20, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac will be offering a free three-part series designed to help individuals and families start conversations about end-of-life choices.  

Sessions are set from 10 – 11:30 am on Wednesdays, September 20, 27, and October 4 at Urban Fuel, N7645 N. Peebles Lane Suite #3, Fond du Lac. Coffee and light snacks will be served. 

Talking It Over provides a means for individuals, in an informal group setting, to explore personal views and interpersonal communication on the subject of end-of-life care. The first session will focus on exploring personal views to help participants consider the variety of views on dying, reflect on influences that have shaped their views about death and dying, and feel more comfortable discussing their views openly with friends and loved ones. 

Session two will focus on talking with loved ones. It will help participants consider why it is difficult to talk about this topic with family, and to identify ways to become more comfortable talking with loved ones. The final session will address making tough decisions. It will help participants to identify things to consider when making decisions for a loved one, and to think about those who could provide support when facing the end of life. 

The sessions feature content from the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California’s Talking It Over program. 

Seating is limited; registration is required. Call 920-926-4704 by Friday, September 15.