title: Having the talk--and it's not about sex!
abstract: The end of life is a difficult time for individuals and their families; some families find it devastating. Although the majority of Americans express a desire to die at home, only 25% achieve this goal. This finding and others from the landmark Last Acts state-by-state report card suggest we can do more to help ease the end-of-life transition. Report card results are reported, highlighting the need for better communication between physicians and patients. Physicians have a key role to play in helping individuals and their families understand their choices and deal with end-of-life care issues. Resources and recommendations are offered to help facilitate planning discussions. Information about hospice use and eligibility is also outlined.
authors.affiliation: Center for Gerontology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA.
authors.forename: Anne P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Glass
authors.forename: Paula D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Scariati
mesh_terms: D032722:Advance Care Planning; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003142:Communication; D004608:Eligibility Determination; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013727:Terminal Care; D014481:United States