Not only is preparing for the end of life challenging and rewarding, research shows that it can also lower stress and improve quality of life for both patients and families. The process of making end-of-life plans goes more smoothly if patients and families talk openly and honestly and view this natural phase as a time for personal growth. End-of-life decisions often include: making care-related goals, choosing a type of palliative or hospice care, picking where the final days will be spent, and deciding which treatments will be given. Putting these decisions in writing makes the patient’s requests unmistakable to families and health care providers and helps create a secure and calm decision-making environment.

• The Decision for Hospice Care: How Can a Psychologist Help?
by Rudy Nydegger, PhD

Care of the Family StopPain.org

Doctor, How Long Have I Got? Harvard Medical School

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End of Life Issues Medline Plus

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For patients and families facing life-threatening illness... Hospice

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The Role of Psychology in End-of-Life Decisions and Quality of Care American Psychological Association

Topic: death & dying American Psychological Association

Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Hardiness Helps People Turn Stressful Circumstances into Opportunities American Psychological Association