Begin the Conversation

Comment by Lynn Coleman on November 30, 2009 at 10:03pm

Already starting the conversation.

Comment by NanC on February 19, 2010 at 2:38pm

I've had this conversation with my son. It was the right thing to do. I lost my father to Alzheimers Disease in October, and none of his children were really aware if he had made any advance plans other than his will. Our stepmother never made us aware if he did and we were a close family. We never felt comfortable asking him about it while he would have been able to tell us.

Comment by Si Cantwell on October 11, 2010 at 2:55pm

I'll have an interview with Jason Clamme in the Oct. 20 Living Local section of the StarNews about Begin the Conversation.

Comment by Gail Deane on October 26, 2010 at 7:57pm

I pushed the conversation with my elderly parents - many times over a number of years. I had an idea of their wishes, but wanted them to establish Advance Directives. It took some doing but they did finally set up living wills and Health Care POA's in 2006. Having these documents when they began to decline made the whole awful process a little simpler, especially since we lived in different areas. They both died within the same week, just before Christmas 2008.
Now it's time for me to continue the conversation...with my daughter.

Comment by Gail Deane on October 26, 2010 at 7:59pm

Nan C. - My sympathy on the loss of your father.

Comment by Jason Clamme on October 27, 2010 at 9:56am

Gail,
Thanks for your comments regarding conversations and planning you did with your parents. In hospice, we see that all the time. Beginning the Conversation early does not necessarily make the journey less emotional, but it can help with the decision-making. Let us know how the discussions go with your daughter.

Comment by Lynn Coleman on October 27, 2010 at 5:05pm

Jason,
I wish everyone could have experienced the beautiful plaque ceremony Saturday at the Care Center. It was just the right tone and the day turned out to be perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

Comment by Jason Clamme on October 28, 2010 at 8:58am

Lynn,
It was a beautiful day. Thanks for coming and for the wonderful comments. My wish is that everyone who attended had the same experience as they remembered their loved ones.

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