Take a breather and reflect
If you’re considering how best to start an end-of-life conversation with a loved one, it’s important to know that your fears are completely natural. Speaking with your loved one about their end-of-life plans can be incredibly emotional and, at times, a bit uncomfortable.
It’s important to remind yourself that this is a necessary, if challenging, conversation to have. By reaffirming the reasons that this discussion is an important one, you can replace your anxieties and fears with a clear sense of purpose.
Find an empathetic opener
There’s no special formula for discussing the end of life with a dying loved one. Everyone has different feelings about death—it’s important to be compassionate and empathetic.
You’re likely to find a lot of checklists online telling you to organize things like wills and trusts. While all of these things are important, we recommend starting small. You may wish to talk about life and happy memories or share your own feelings about death to alleviate pressure.
Ultimately, you’re looking to find an opener and gauge whether your loved one wants to talk about death. End-of-life planning is rarely a straight, smooth road. Try to keep early conversations open-ended and let your loved one take the lead.
Take things slow and listen carefully
Having empathetic conversations about death means putting personal preconceptions to one side and actively listening to your loved one’s ideas.
Remember that this may be a difficult and complex time for them—listening to their thoughts without expectation can be a way for them to express their true feelings and a way for you to understand what their wishes are.
Make it about them
Once you’re sure your loved one wants to talk about their end-of-life plans, you can support them by making the conversation about their wishes.
How would they like the family to honor their legacy? Where would they like to be buried or cremated? Have they chosen any music they’d like to play at their funeral? Asking simple, caring questions with compassion can open the door for more challenging conversations.
Aside from giving your loved one time to talk through their emotions, this process can also remove uncertainty about your loved one’s wishes for you, your friends, and your family.
Be prepared for multiple conversations
Remember that planning for your loved one’s end of life doesn’t happen overnight. You should anticipate many caring conversations over time.
By taking things slow, finding the right opener, listening carefully, and putting your loved one’s needs at the forefront, you can approach end-of-life conversations with confidence and purpose—no matter how emotionally difficult they may be.
Above all, pace yourself and take stock of your own feelings and emotions. These are conversations that may occur over a long period. Try to take time to reflect and reset.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers compassionate burial, cremation, and tree burial services in the Los Angeles area. We’re here for you and your family. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out.
