Five Wishes: A Compassionate Conversation About End-of-Life Care
Dr Henry Piñango
Board Certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine
Livingston HealthCare
End-of-life planning is one of the most personal decisions we make in our lifetime. Yet for many, it’s a topic that remains unspoken. The truth is, planning ahead isn’t just about preparing for the inevitable. It’s about living with intention, protecting our dignity, and giving peace of mind to the people we love with the gift of knowing our wishes.
Founded by the non-profit Aging with Dignity, Five Wishes is a nationally recognized advance care planning tool that goes beyond medical directives. It invites individuals to express how they want to be cared for in times of serious illness and at the end of life—not just in terms of treatment, but in terms of comfort, spirituality, and personal values. It’s a document, yes—but more importantly, it is the beginning of a conversation.
Unlike traditional legal forms, Five Wishes is written in plain language and covers five essential areas:
1. The person you want to make healthcare decisions for you when you can’t.
2. The kind of medical treatment you want—or don’t want.
3. How comfortable you want to be.
4. How you want people to treat you.
5. What you want your loved ones to know.
These questions may seem simple, but they open the door to meaningful dialog. They allow you to reflect on what matters most and to share those wishes with family, caregivers, and your healthcare team. And in doing so, these questions help ensure that care aligns with your values, not just protocols. They empower you to take control of your care. They also support your healthcare team in delivering care that honors the whole person—not just a diagnosis.
End-of-life planning isn’t just for the elderly or the ill. It’s for anyone who wants to make sure their voice is heard when it matters most. It’s for families who want clarity during difficult times. And it’s for communities that believe in dignity, respect, and the power of choice.
Completing Five Wishes is simple. It’s legally valid in Montana. But its impact goes far beyond paperwork. It’s about giving your loved ones the gift of knowing your heart. It’s about reducing stress and uncertainty. And it’s about making sure that, even in your final moments, your care reflects your life.
So as we gather this summer—around dinner tables, in clinics, and within our communities—let’s make space for these conversations. Let’s talk about what matters to you. Let’s honor the lives we’ve lived and the choices we have. Because planning ahead is about showing up—for ourselves, for our families, our communities and for the future. To learn more about the Five Wishes program, please speak to your healthcare provider or visit www.fivewishes.org.