End of life discussions should happen early

BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER braspe@cjn.org | @BeckyRaspeCJN

End of life discussions shouldn’t occur once a crisis strikes.

According to Rabbi Akiva Feinstein, director of spiritual care at Montefiore in Beachwood, and Dr. Beth McLaughlin, chief medical officer at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, aging adults should have these conversations earlier.

“Early conversations are important because many illnesses occur more suddenly than we expect,” McLaughlin said. “It is very helpful if families can have a sense of what people’s wishes are before they are in the middle of that situation.”

During his hospice career, Feinstein has helped many families have “the talk.” There is never an easy time to have the discussion, he said.

“You have to talk about it when you have the state of mind and comfort,” Feinstein explained. “It is something people are always worried about too. So, having the discussions early empowers one’s family. Also, it’s easier to discuss things when people are healthier.”

Feinstein also added if someone is ill, they’ll understand why the conversation is needed. But, when it isn’t a pressing issue, individuals can be more candid and honest about end of life choices.