Preparing for a peaceful passing: 3 ways to confront death

Each year, approximately 61 million people worldwide die, while millions more face terminal diagnoses or incurable health conditions. What worries many is not just death, but how to die peacefully, maintain dignity, and lessen the burden on loved ones.

If you or a loved one are looking to prepare for end of life, understanding care options, decision-making rights, and how to maintain peace of mind can make a significant difference. This article by Tiptory will guide you step-by-step to face death with a calmer mindset, make important decisions, seek appropriate support, and embrace a peaceful passing with respect, love, and in accordance with your wishes.

Method 1: How to provide end-of-life palliative care?

Step 1: Facing a terminal diagnosis

Understand the diagnosis before making decisions

• When receiving a terminal diagnosis, it is a completely normal psychological reaction to feel shock, anxiety, sadness, or confusion. Don't force yourself to accept everything immediately.
• Give yourself a few days or longer if needed to calmly process the information. Taking time to think will help you make more informed decisions during the preparation for end of life and care planning process.
• After regaining composure, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a detailed explanation of your condition. Research shows that patients who clearly understand their diagnosis are more proactive in choosing treatment methods and palliative care.

Discuss prognosis and treatment options thoroughly with your doctor

• Don't hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. Having a complete understanding of the information will help you face death proactively rather than with fear due to lack of knowledge.
• You should ask your doctor about:
  • The current stage of the illness and its progression.
  • How the prognosis might change over time.
  • Treatment methods that are still appropriate or no longer appropriate.
  • Benefits, risks, and side effects of each treatment option.
  • Palliative care or hospice services that can improve quality of life and support a peaceful passing if the illness progresses.

Ask a loved one to accompany you to the appointment

• Invite a family member or close friend to accompany you when you see the doctor. In stressful situations, patients can easily forget information or miss important details.
• The accompanying person can:
  • Take notes on the doctor's advice.
  • Ask additional questions you hadn't thought of.
  • Help confirm important information to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Support you in considering decisions related to treatment and preparing for end of life.

Record important information after each appointment

• After the consultation, save your notes or ask for a summary from the doctor if available. You can also record the conversation with the doctor's permission.
• Reviewing the information later will help you and your family understand the treatment plan, prepare for the next steps, and make decisions that align with your wishes. This is also an important foundation for facing death calmly and proactively, and moving towards a peaceful passing that reflects your values and desires.

Step 2: Understanding rights and legal options

Understand the laws where you live

• When facing a terminal illness, you have the right to learn about the care options and medical decisions permitted by law where you live.
• Each country and region has different regulations regarding end-of-life care, the right to refuse treatment, resuscitation orders, and other medical decisions. Therefore, consult with your doctor or a legal expert if you are unclear about your rights.
• In Vietnam, assisted suicide is not legally permitted. However, patients can still discuss with their doctors about methods of palliative care, pain management, and improving quality of life during the final stages.

Discuss end-of-life care options with your doctor

• Ask your doctor about options suitable for your current health condition, including:
  • Treatment goals at each stage of the illness.
  • Measures for pain relief and symptom management.
  • Palliative care or hospice services if needed.
  • Medical decisions you can proactively make to align with your personal wishes.
• Understanding your options will help you prepare for end of life proactively, reduce anxiety, and focus on quality of life.

Share your wishes with your family

• If you have specific wishes regarding care or treatment in the final stages, discuss them early with your loved ones so they understand and respect your decisions.
• This may include:
  • The level of treatment you desire.
  • Priorities between prolonging life and enhancing quality of life.
  • Where you wish to be cared for if the illness progresses.
  • Personal wishes to ensure a peaceful passing surrounded by family.

Plan for care early

• Many studies show that advance care planning helps patients and families reduce stress when facing important future decisions.
• Open communication with your doctor and loved ones helps everyone agree on the direction of care, reduces hasty decisions, and allows you to face death with better preparation, while ensuring your values and wishes are respected.

Step 3: Consider end-of-life palliative care

Understand palliative care and hospice care correctly

• When an illness is no longer curable, palliative care and hospice care are options that help patients live more comfortably rather than focusing on prolonging treatment at all costs.
• The goals of this model are:
  • Pain relief and management of uncomfortable symptoms.
  • Psychological, spiritual, and emotional support for the patient.
  • Support for the family throughout the care process.
  • Helping the patient die peacefully with the best possible quality of life.

Consider home care if suitable

• Many people choose to be cared for at home because it is a familiar environment, helping them feel secure and close to family.
• Hospice care at home can offer many benefits, such as:
  • Reduced stress from not having to be frequently hospitalized.
  • Being with loved ones in the final days of life.
  • Maintaining privacy and a sense of comfort.
  • Supporting the preparation for end of life according to the patient's wishes.

Research professional care services

• Palliative care teams typically include doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists who collaborate to meet the patient's needs.
• Depending on the region, services may include:
  • Home visits and care.
  • Support for unexpected symptom management.
  • Counseling for families on how to care for the patient.
  • Emotional support and guidance on end-of-life care decisions.

Compare care models before deciding

• If there are multiple palliative care facilities or programs, take time to research them thoroughly before making a choice.
• You should consider factors such as:
  • The professional quality of the care team.
  • The scope of services and availability of emergency support.
  • Costs and insurance coverage.
  • Location of home care or care facility.
  • The extent to which personal and family wishes are met.

Choose what aligns with your values

• No single care model suits everyone. The important thing is to choose an option that helps the patient feel safe, respected, and maintain their dignity in the final stages of life.
• Early discussions with your doctor, family, and care team will help you face death more proactively, and create conditions for a gentle and peaceful preparation for end of life.

Step 4: Share your wishes with loved ones

Discuss your wishes early

• Though not easy, sharing your wishes with loved ones is an important step in preparing for end of life.
• Have these conversations when you are still healthy enough and capable of making decisions. This helps your family understand your wishes and reduces pressure when they have to make medical decisions in the future.
• You can discuss:
  • Where you wish to be cared for if the illness progresses.
  • Treatments you want or do not want to receive.
  • Your personal values and priorities to ensure a peaceful passing according to your wishes.

Create an advance care plan

• Advance Care Planning helps patients, families, and medical teams agree on the direction of care early on.
• You should document important wishes in writing if permitted by the laws where you live. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that future decisions reflect your true intentions.
• Update your plan if your health condition or wishes change over time.

Appoint a trusted representative

• If allowed by national or local law, you may designate a relative or trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to communicate or decide for yourself.
• The chosen person should be someone who:
  • Understands your wishes and values.
  • Can communicate calmly and objectively with the medical team.
  • Is willing to uphold the decisions you have agreed upon beforehand.

Understand the legal procedures

• Regulations regarding power of attorney, medical proxies, and other related documents vary between countries and regions.
• If necessary, consult with a lawyer or legal expert to understand your rights and obligations, and to complete the procedures in accordance with current regulations.
• Adequate legal preparation helps families avoid unnecessary disputes and facilitates facing death proactively, respectfully, and in line with the patient's wishes.

Step 5: Adapt to body changes

Accept changes in health

• When suffering from a terminal illness, health and mobility may decline over time. Tasks that were once simple, like walking, bathing, dressing, or eating, may require assistance.
• Feelings of sadness, frustration, or loss of independence are common among patients. Instead of blaming yourself, view receiving help as part of the care process, which helps you conserve energy and improve your quality of life.
• Accepting appropriate support is also an important step to prepare for a peaceful passing and reduce physical burdens.

Choose a suitable caregiver

• If using professional care services, take time to research thoroughly before deciding.
• You should prioritize caregivers who:
  • Have expertise and experience in caring for patients.
  • Communicate gently, respectfully, and are good listeners.
  • Respect patient privacy and decisions.
  • Provide support when needed but still encourage you to do what you can for yourself.

Communicate frankly with family caregivers

• If your caregiver is a family member or friend, clearly share your wishes with them early on.
• You can tell them that you:
  • Want to be treated as an adult, even with declining health.
  • Want to be consulted before others make decisions concerning you.
  • Want to retain the right to choose in matters you can still decide.
• Open communication helps maintain mutual respect and contributes to a peaceful passing with your dignity preserved.

Encourage caregivers to acquire knowledge

• Caring for a terminally ill patient requires both skill and understanding. Caregivers should be guided by a doctor or nurse on:
  • How to safely assist with daily activities.
  • Pain management methods and how to handle common symptoms.
  • Communication skills with patients in the terminal stage.
  • How to care for the mental health of both the patient and themselves.
• When caregivers are fully equipped with knowledge, they will be more confident in their companionship, helping patients face death with peace of mind, respect, and care tailored to their needs.

Preserve dignity in all decisions

• Despite changing health, you still have the right to express your wishes, emotions, and make decisions about your life within your capabilities.
• Family and medical staff should listen to and respect the patient's choices, as feeling in control of one's life is a crucial factor in helping many people face death calmly and pass away peacefully.

Step 6: Adapt as independence gradually declines

Accept that the level of independence may change

• As the illness progresses, you may find it difficult to drive, walk, work, or perform daily activities independently.
• The gradual loss of independence can make many people feel sad, frustrated, or anxious. This is a common and entirely understandable psychological reaction.
• Instead of focusing only on what you can no longer do, prioritize activities you can still perform to maintain a sense of agency and self-worth. This contributes to facing death with a calmer mindset.

Focus on the positives each day

• One simple way to improve your mood is to write down things you are grateful for in life.
• You can take a few minutes each day to write down:
  • A meaningful conversation with a loved one.
  • A delicious meal or favorite cup of tea.
  • A moment to watch the sunrise or sunset.
  • The care and attention from family and friends.
• Research in positive psychology shows that regular gratitude practice can help reduce stress, improve emotions, and enhance quality of life, even for those with chronic or terminal illnesses.

Seek companionship from those in similar situations

• You don't have to go through this difficult period alone. Support groups for people with serious or terminal illnesses can offer empathy and share practical experiences.
• When participating in a support group, you can:
  • Share emotions openly.
  • Learn coping strategies from others in similar circumstances.
  • Receive additional motivation and comfort from the community.
  • Reduce feelings of loneliness while preparing for your passing.

Retain decision-making power where possible

• Even if you need more support, you should still participate in daily life decisions when your health allows.
• You can choose:
  • Rest or activity times.
  • Menu and favorite activities.
  • Caregiver or care location.
  • Medical decisions aligned with personal wishes.
• Maintaining autonomy helps many people feel respected, preserves their dignity, and leads to a peaceful passing in accordance with their wishes.

Don't hesitate to seek psychological support

• If feelings of loss, sadness, or anxiety persist, speak with your doctor, a psychologist, or the palliative care team.
• Timely support can help you better adapt to health changes, alleviate mental burden, and gradually prepare for passing with more peace, proactivity, and meaning.

Method 2: Alleviating the fear of death

Step 1: Allow yourself to process loss

Accept your own emotions

• Upon learning they have a terminal illness, many people will experience a sense of loss as they realize life may not have as much time as they hoped.
• Emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, fear, or regret are normal psychological reactions. You don't need to force yourself to be strong or calm immediately.
• Acknowledging your true feelings is the first step to facing death more authentically and gently.

Understand that everyone adapts differently

• There is no "right way" to get through this period. Each person will react according to their personality, life experiences, beliefs, and individual circumstances.
• You might:
  • Want to share with others.
  • Want to spend time alone.
  • Want to continue normal activities.
  • Or need more time to accept reality.
• Respect your own pace of adaptation instead of comparing yourself to others.

Allow emotions to change day by day

• In the first days after diagnosis, emotions can change very quickly. At times you may feel hopeful, but immediately afterward fall into anxiety or sadness.
• Common states include:
  • Denial or difficulty believing the diagnosis.
  • Anger at illness or circumstances.
  • Anxiety about the future and family.
  • Sadness when thinking about unfinished business.
  • More peace after gradually accepting reality.
• These changes are a natural part of adapting to illness and do not mean you are coping less well than others.

Treat yourself with compassion

• Instead of blaming yourself for negative emotions, give yourself patience and self-compassion.
• You can:
  • Rest when you feel tired.
  • Write in a journal to express your feelings.
  • Listen to music, read books, or practice relaxation.
  • Spend time with people and activities that bring you peace.
• Caring for mental health is just as important as physical treatment in the process of preparing for one's passing.

Seek support when feeling overwhelmed

• If emotions become too heavy or affect daily life, share them with family, your doctor, a psychologist, or the palliative care team.
• Being heard and supported can help you lessen feelings of loneliness, find peace, and gradually move towards a peaceful passing, with a sense of being loved, respected, and understood.

Step 2: Facing anxieties about the future

Acknowledging anxieties is normal

• When diagnosed with a terminal illness, many people worry not only about their health but also about their family, work, assets, and what will happen after they pass away.
• These thoughts are a natural reaction to a major life change. Acknowledging anxieties instead of trying to suppress them will help you find more appropriate coping mechanisms.
• This is also an important step to face death with calmness and proactivity.

Focus on what you can still decide

• Psychological studies show that anxiety often decreases when people focus on what they can still control.
• Instead of spending too much time on things you cannot change, prioritize decisions that you still have the power to make, such as:
  • Treatment goals for the remaining time.
  • Preferred place of care.
  • How to manage pain and symptoms.
  • Wishes to share with family.
• Actively making decisions helps the process of preparing for death become clearer and more peaceful.

Plan for end-of-life care

• After you have had time to stabilize your emotions, work with your doctor and loved ones to create a care plan that suits your health condition and personal wishes.
• You should consider:
  • Treatment methods that still offer benefits.
  • When to prioritize palliative care over aggressive treatment.
  • Measures to help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
  • Who will help make decisions if you are no longer able to communicate.
• A clear plan helps both the patient and family reduce stress when making important decisions.

Choose an option that aligns with your values

• Not everyone has the same goals at the end of life. Some want to prolong treatment, while others prioritize comfort and time with family.
• Have an open discussion with your doctor to understand the benefits, limitations, and impacts of each option. Then, choose the option that best fits your values, beliefs, and wishes.
• When your decisions accurately reflect what you truly desire, you will be more inclined towards a more peaceful passing.

Share the plan with loved ones

• Once you have determined your wishes, discuss them with your family so everyone understands and respects those decisions.
• The agreement between the patient, family, and medical team helps to minimize conflicts during care, and allows you to prepare for your passing with peace of mind, accompanied, and according to your wishes.

Step 3: Appreciating life every day

Focus on what brings meaning

• Whether you have a few weeks, months, or years left, you can still create memorable and meaningful moments.
• Instead of just thinking about your illness, focus your attention on what makes you feel happy, peaceful, and connected to life.
• This not only helps improve your quality of life but also supports you in facing death with a more positive and proactive mindset.

Spend more time with loved ones

• Heartfelt conversations and time spent with family and friends can bring great emotional comfort.
• You can:
  • Share a meal with family.
  • Recount cherished memories.
  • Express gratitude or love to important people.
  • Complete unfinished tasks in relationships.
• This connection helps many people feel more at peace during the process of preparing for death.

Continue doing what you love

• If your health permits, maintain activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• You can choose to:
  • Read books or listen to music.
  • Care for plants.
  • Paint, write in a journal, or do crafts.
  • Watch the sunrise, sunset, or spend time in nature.
• Even simple activities can help improve your mood and create more motivation for each day.

Enjoy the experiences you can still have

• Don't hesitate to do things you've always wanted to do if your doctor confirms your health still allows it.
• This could include:
  • Taking a short trip.
  • Visiting a favorite place.
  • Meeting old friends again.
  • Fulfilling a dream or an unfinished plan.
• These experiences help you feel that life is still complete and valuable, regardless of the diagnosis.

Listen to your body and prioritize safety

• Before participating in any activity, discuss with your doctor what is appropriate for your current health condition.
• Rest when you feel tired, do not push your body beyond its limits, and flexibly adjust your plans if necessary.
• Balancing enjoying life and caring for your health will help you pass away peacefully, with the feeling of having lived each day to the fullest and having spent time on what truly matters.

Step 4: Embrace support from others

Don't try to go through it alone

• Facing a terminal illness is a challenging journey, both physically and mentally. You don't have to carry everything alone.
• Allow family, friends, and loved ones to accompany you. Their presence, listening, and care can help reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and provide more strength to face death.
• Many studies show that patients with a good social support network often have a better quality of life and more positive mental health during the end-of-life stage.

Accepting help is a positive thing

• Many patients hesitate to ask for help because they fear becoming a burden or don't want their loved ones to witness their decline.
• These are very common feelings, but accepting help does not mean you lose your value or independence.
• Let your loved ones help with appropriate tasks such as:
  • Taking you to medical appointments.
  • Preparing meals or assisting with daily activities.
  • Accompanying you during conversations with doctors.
  • Spending time talking and being with you.
• Sharing responsibilities often helps both the patient and family feel more connected and at peace during the process of preparing for death.

Maintain connections with loved ones

• Instead of isolating yourself, try to stay in touch with family, friends, and people who bring you peace.
• A phone call, a short visit, or simply sitting together and talking can significantly improve your mood.
• These moments contribute to creating warmth, helping you to pass away peacefully with a feeling of being loved and accompanied.

Join support groups if possible

• Support groups for people with serious or terminal illnesses are places where you can share experiences with others in similar situations.
• Joining a support group can help you:
  • Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Learn from the experiences of others who have gone through similar situations.
  • Receive additional advice on health and mental well-being.
  • Have the opportunity to express emotions in a safe and understood environment.

Seek professional support when needed

• If you frequently feel despair, prolonged anxiety, or have difficulty controlling your emotions, discuss this with your doctor, psychologist, or palliative care team.
• Combining the companionship of family and support from professionals will help you reduce mental burden, maintain dignity, and gradually face death with peace, thus moving towards a peaceful passing according to your own wishes.

Method 3: Thoroughly preparing for what comes after

Step 1: Create a will and legal plan

Prepare a will to protect your wishes

• Creating a will is one of the important steps to ensure your assets and wishes are carried out correctly after your passing.
• Preparing early helps reduce disputes, minimize misunderstandings among family members, and allows for proactivity in the process of preparing for death.
• Depending on the legal regulations in your country, you can draft your own will if you meet all legal requirements, or seek assistance from a lawyer or notary to ensure its validity.

Clearly state important details in your will

• A clear will should include all necessary information, such as:
  • Beneficiaries of your assets according to your wishes.
  • How to distribute assets, savings, or other property rights.
  • Outstanding financial obligations (if any).
  • Special wishes related to assets or family heirlooms.
• If you have minor children or dependents, research legal regulations to appoint an appropriate guardian according to current laws.

Appoint an executor of the will

• You should choose a trustworthy person to carry out the provisions of your will after you pass away, if the laws in your place of residence provide for this role.
• The chosen person should:
  • Be responsible and honest.
  • Understand your wishes clearly.
  • Be able to coordinate with relevant authorities and family members when necessary.
• Clearly designating a person to carry out your wishes helps to facilitate the resolution of legal issues.

Understand Legal Documents Related to Medical Care

• In addition to wills, many countries also allow individuals to create documents expressing their wishes for medical care in cases where they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves or to designate a healthcare proxy.
• These regulations vary between countries and territories. Therefore, consult with a doctor, lawyer, or competent authority to understand which options are legally recognized where you live.
• In Vietnam, current regulations regarding the designation of a healthcare proxy or advance directives are not entirely consistent with many other countries. Therefore, early communication with family and the healthcare team remains an important way to ensure your wishes are understood and respected.

Finalize Your Plan for Peace of Mind

• After completing the necessary documents, inform your loved ones where they are stored and the important contents of these documents.
• A clear legal plan not only helps your family reduce stress when dealing with future procedures but also allows you to face death proactively, protect your personal values, and aim for a peaceful passing according to your wishes.

Step 2: Plan Your Memorial Service

Prepare in Advance According to Your Wishes

• Planning a memorial service or funeral can be a difficult topic, but for many, it helps them feel proactive and at peace during the process of preparing for their passing.
• Advance preparation also helps relieve family pressure from making many decisions during a time of grief.
• You can choose to create a detailed plan or simply state your most important wishes, as you prefer.

Share Your Wishes for the Memorial Service

• If you have special wishes, discuss them with your loved ones in advance so they can honor your requests.
• You can share about:
  • The form of the memorial service or funeral.
  • Religious or non-religious rituals.
  • The location of the service or resting place.
  • Music, readings, or messages you wish to be used.
  • Things you want your family and friends to remember or do.

Document Your Wishes in Writing

• To avoid misunderstandings, write down your wishes and keep them with other important documents.
• A clear written record will make it easier for your loved ones to refer to when needed and ensure that decisions align with your wishes.
• This is also a way for you to face death with thorough preparation and reduce anxieties about the future.

Designate an Executor for the Plan

• Choose someone you trust to coordinate or communicate your wishes on behalf of your family after you pass away.
• This person should:
  • Clearly understand your wishes.
  • Be able to communicate with family members.
  • Be willing to coordinate with funeral service providers when necessary.
• Discussing this with the chosen person in advance will help them feel more confident in carrying out tasks according to your wishes.

Consider This a Gift to Your Family

• Preparing for a memorial service in advance is not giving up hope, but rather a way to show care for those who remain.
• When wishes are clearly communicated, loved ones will have greater peace of mind to focus on accompanying, remembering, and supporting each other during a time of loss. This also helps you pass away peacefully, with the feeling that important matters have been carefully prepared and align with the values you cherish.

Step 3: Say Goodbye Your Way

Choose a Farewell that Brings You Peace

• Saying goodbye to loved ones is a very personal decision. There is no one-size-fits-all model.
• You don't need to try to be strong or perfect. The important thing is to choose a way of expressing yourself that suits your personality, values, and wishes.
• Expressing what's in your heart can help you and your family feel lighter during the process of preparing for your passing.

Talk Directly with Loved Ones

• If your health permits, take time to talk with the important people in your life.
• You can share:
  • Words of love and gratitude.
  • Memorable experiences.
  • Any regrets or desires for reconciliation.
  • Words of encouragement for those who remain.
• If emotions are too strong, you can prepare what you want to say in advance. Getting emotional or shedding tears is completely normal and does not diminish the meaning of the conversation.

Write Letters to Express Your Feelings

• If it's difficult to express yourself verbally, writing letters is a meaningful way to convey important messages.
• In a letter, you can:
  • Thank those who have accompanied you.
  • Express love and appreciation.
  • Share lessons or wishes for your loved ones.
  • Leave messages for the future.
• Depending on your wishes, these letters can be read while you are alive or after you pass away.

Don't Let Emotions Become a Barrier

• Many people fear that goodbyes will be too painful, so they try to avoid them. However, expressing emotions often helps both the patient and their loved ones have the opportunity to understand, forgive, and resolve unfinished matters.
• These sincere moments can become precious memories for those who remain and bring a sense of peace to yourself.

Respect Your Own Choices

• Not everyone wants long goodbyes or formal words. Some just want to be with their family in quiet peace, some want to share a lot, while others choose to convey their feelings through simple actions.
• Whichever choice you make, the most important thing is that you feel true to yourself. That will help you face death with peace, preserve your dignity, and aim for a peaceful passing, with the belief that the love and good things you leave behind will continue to live in the memories of your loved ones.

Respect Your Own Choices

There is no right or wrong way to face death

• The journey of facing death is a very personal experience for each individual. Everyone has different circumstances, beliefs, values, and desires, so there will not be a single way to prepare for their passing.
• Don't feel pressured to reach a certain emotional state or try to meet others' expectations. Allow yourself to feel all emotions naturally and gradually adapt at your own pace.
• Maintaining a calm state of mind, focusing on what is meaningful, and spending time with loved ones will help you move towards a more peaceful and complete journey of passing.

Coordinate with your doctor to develop a suitable care plan

• Regularly communicate with your doctor to develop a care plan based on your health condition, treatment goals, and personal wishes.
• This plan should be reviewed and adjusted as needed, including:
  • Treatment methods appropriate for each stage of the illness.
  • Measures to control pain and uncomfortable symptoms.
  • Palliative care or end-of-life care options.
  • Important medical decisions if health status changes.
• A clear care plan helps patients and their families be more proactive in preparing for their passing, while ensuring that medical decisions always respect the patient's values, wishes, and dignity.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2023). Palliative care. Geneva: World Health Organization.
2. World Health Organization. (2020). Integrating palliative care and symptom relief into primary health care: A WHO guide for planners, implementers and managers. Geneva: World Health Organization.
3. National Institute on Aging. (2024). End of life: Providing physical comfort. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Aging.
4. National Institute on Aging. (2024). Getting your affairs in order: Advance care planning. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Aging.
5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). End of life care for adults: Service delivery (NICE Guideline NG142). London: NICE.
6. American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. (2023). Hospice and palliative medicine: Patient and caregiver resources. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
7. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. (2024). Hospice care and advance care planning. Alexandria, VA: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
8. National Cancer Institute. (2023). End-of-life care. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
9. American Cancer Society. (2024). What is hospice care? Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Advance care planning: Preparing for future health care decisions. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
11. Institute of Medicine. (2015). Dying in America: Improving quality and honoring individual preferences near the end of life. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
12. Cherny, N. I., Fallon, M. T., Kaasa, S., Portenoy, R. K., & Currow, D. C. (Eds.). (2021). Oxford textbook of palliative medicine (6th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
13. Ferrell, B. R., & Paice, J. A. (Eds.). (2019). Oxford textbook of palliative nursing (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
14. Kübler-Ross, E., & Kessler, D. (2014). On grief and grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss. New York, NY: Scribner.
15. Back, A. L., Arnold, R. M., & Tulsky, J. A. (2019). Mastering communication with seriously ill patients: Balancing honesty with empathy and hope. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Content editor: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Benjamin Lewis.