Think through the topics you’d like to cover. Jot down your thoughts or practice the conversation with a friend to clarify what you want to say. A website called The Conversation Project offers helpful resources in this area.

Pick an environment conducive to an intimate, open conversation, such as your loved one's kitchen table or a favorite park bench. Make sure it is a comfortable, inviting setting.

You could begin with an open question you both answer, such as “What matters to me at the end of life is …” Be a patient, supportive listener. Not everything needs to be covered in this first conversation.

Ask how they envision the last phase of their life regarding their environment and quality of life, important milestones they’d like to experience (such as attending a family wedding or celebrating a birthday) and people they want to see.

Discuss how your loved one would like to handle health care decisions if they are unable to communicate or make choices themselves. Develop a plan to create a living will and health care power of attorney if those documents aren't already in place.

Explain the importance of having a trusted financial power of attorney, up-to-date estate planning documents and current beneficiary designations that reflect your loved one’s desires.

Your initial discussion will hopefully be the first of many. After each discussion, think back on how it went, whether anything needs clarification and what you would like to accomplish in future talks.