The Art of Goodbye: End of Life Education series

The Art of Goodbye: Communication Considerations

Suzanna Smith, Lynda Spence, and Chelsea Tafelski

Most people would prefer to delay or completely avoid discussions about death. Even if people feel inclined to talk with loved ones and health care providers about end-of-life concerns, they are frequently at a loss for the best way to begin a discussion and are unsure of the topics they should cover.

The Art of Goodbye: Exploring Health Concerns

Lynda Spence

Each of us has our own ideas about death and dying. Issues and questions about care at the end of life are as unique as the individual receiving care. Past experiences, age, and emotional states influence our ideas. The condition and culture of the patient and family, religion, spirituality, education, occupation, social class, friends, and personal preferences can affect end-of-life care. Sometimes decisions are made by the individual patient. At other times, the family and health care providers are involved. In either case, addressing each concern can be complicated.

The Art of Goodbye: Exploring Self-Reflection

Lynda Spence and Chelsea Tafelski

Many people assume that preparing for the end of life involves filling out forms at the doctor's or lawyer's office. Forms and checklists have their place and can be helpful, but they cannot address every issue because end-of-life concerns are complicated. Self-reflection is a helpful tool that begins to lay a foundation for planning while articulating people's complex and unique emotions, values, priorities, fears, and preferences when it comes to facing their own mortality.

The Art of Goodbye: Planning Final Arrangements

Lynda Spence

The Art of Goodbye: Why People Are Talking About the End of Life

Suzanna Smith and Lynda Spence

The Art of Goodbye: Putting Your Legal and Financial Affairs in Order

Brenda C. Williams