End-of-Life Values Reflections

What brings meaning and enjoyment

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Think about the activities and experiences that make your life feel full and meaningful.

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• What do you enjoy most about your favourite activities? What do they add to your life?
• What special memories or experiences are connected to these activities?
• Who do you most enjoy sharing these moments with?
• What makes these experiences feel meaningful to you?

Applying this to your decisions

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These questions are tailored to the areas you selected. They can help you connect your values to real-life choices.

End-of-life care options

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• If you became unable to make decisions for yourself, which approach feels closest to your wishes?
  • Focus on extending my life as long as possible
  • Balance length of life with quality of life
  • Focus on quality of life, even if it may shorten my life
• Based on your answers above, what does “quality of life” mean to you?
• Which aspects of your care would matter most to you?
• In what circumstances, if any, would you want treatments to extend your life?
• If you could no longer speak for yourself, what would you want your loved ones to understand about your values?
• When you think about the end of your life, which concerns matter most to you?  
• Pain and prolonged suffering
• Loss of autonomy or independence
• Isolation or loneliness
• Loss of dignity or control
• Becoming a burden to others
• Loss of cognitive function
• Settling financial or personal matters
• Missing my family and loved ones

Comfort measures and environment during final days

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• What would help you feel most comfortable, calm, or at peace?
• Who would you want to be present with you?
• Would you want physical closeness, such as holding hands or touch?
• Are there sounds, music, readings, or words that would bring comfort?
• Are there objects or surroundings (photos, flowers, familiar items) that would matter to you?
• What would help this time feel most like “you”?

Meaningful activities and relationships

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• When thinking about end of life, who would you like to spend time with?
• How often would you want connection or visits from others?
• Would you prefer more social time, or more quiet and privacy?
• What activities would feel most meaningful and manageable during this time?
• Are there relationships you’d like to strengthen, celebrate, or mend?
• Is there anything you’d still like to experience or accomplish?

Reflecting on life and legacy

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• What values or qualities do you hope to be remembered for?
• What stories, traditions, or lessons would you like to pass on?
• How have you made a difference in the lives of others?
• What experiences or messages would you want to share with future generations?
• What has made your life feel meaningful, day to day?
• Are there projects or moments that feel manageable and meaningful?

Funeral or end-of-life ceremony

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• How would you like your values, personality or life to be reflected in your ceremony or celebration?
• What matters most to you about how your life is remembered?
• What would you want people to feel or experience?
• Are there traditions you would want included—or avoided?
• Are there readings, stories, or music you would want shared?
• Do you have preferences for final arrangements (e.g., burial, cremation, body donation)?