Talking to Loved Ones

Communicating your healthcare wishes with those you love is just as important as creating the documents. Letting family and friends know what you want makes sure you get the care you want. Sharing your information with them now can also save them stress and confusion later.

How to Start the Conversation

Use the wonderful, free conversation starter kit from the Conversation Project to find the approach that is most comfortable for you.

Choose a day that's already designated, like April 16 – National Healthcare Decisions Day or Thanksgiving Day.

Play a game like the "Hello" game from Common Practice , to increase everyone's comfort discussing what matters most to them.

Blame your attorney. Say that your attorney has told you to talk with your loved one now that you've completed or updated your healthcare directive.

DocuBank Members:

• Use your DocuBank wallet card to get your directives from DocuBank (you can print them from the website) and give them to your health care proxy and other loved ones.
• Make a copy from the directives located in your estate planning binder and pass them along.
• Email your directives to your loved ones from DocuBank.
• Request additional DocuBank card(s) for your loved ones.
• Talk through your choices in these documents, and especially focus on explaining what makes your live enjoyable and worth living..See the Conversation Project starter kit for details.

Non DocuBank Members:

Give your loved ones a copy of your healthcare directives. Talk through your choices in these documents, and especially focus on explaining what makes your live enjoyable and worth living. See the Conversation Project Starter Kit for details.