Conscious Passage

No one wants to have to second-guess how a loved one wants to be cared for at the end of his or her life, but that hasnt stopped some families from being torn apart by that very question.

Gay Lyn Birkholz, a former professor of medical and business ethics who has served on several ethics boards coaching patients and their families through end-of-life ethical dilemmas, examines why its so important to make your wishes known in this self-help guide. Learn how to:

take ownership of end-of-life choices;

talk about this topic with family and loved ones;

document your care choices and intentions; and

give your health care representative a full picture of your wishes.

She also tackles the complicated question of the financial burdens that come with end-of-life carebecause ending up in a hospital (especially if it involves aggressive treatment) can mean exorbitant expenses.

These are your choices, and you have a right for them to be honored. Claim your say, and die on your terms with the guidance in Conscious Passage.