While it may not be easy to think about…

Having a plan for care at the end of life is the best way to make sure your wishes are supported by your loved ones and health care team. The resources below can help you understand your options. They can also guide you to documents that can help explain your preferences if you can’t, such as in the case of a medical emergency.

Making Plans for End-of-Life Care

The Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care put together a complete guide with basic information to help you understand the choices about care for yourself and your loved ones. It also answers these commonly asked questions:

The Conversation Project also has a Starter Kit to help you begin the conversation with a loved one about your – or their – wishes for care at the end of life. You may download and print this Starter Kit for free.  

Advance Health Care Directives are important legal documents that let your medical care team know what kind of health care you want if you become suddenly ill and unable to speak for yourself. Learn more about Advanced Health Care Directives on the Legal Rights page.

End-of-Life Care

Hospice and Palliative Care
Hospice is care at the end of life. Palliative care aims to ease pain when you have a serious illness. Both can bring comfort, relief and support so you and your family can live better.