How comfortable are you with talking about death?
7%
93%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryComfortable
Somewhat to VeryComfortable
How comfortable would you be writing your own will if you thought your death would
occur soon?
5%
95%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryComfortable
Somewhat to VeryComfortable
How comfortable are you with thinking about life
after death?
9%
91%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryComfortable
Somewhat to VeryComfortable
How likely are you to attend funerals or memorial services?
6%
94%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How likely are you to read books, newspaper articles or other information that deal with the subject of death and
dying?
19%
81%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How likely are you to watch television programs or movies that deal with the
subject of death and dying?
26%
74%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How likely are you to avoid medical checkups because you are afraid the doctor will find something serious?
73%
27%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How likely are you to speak freely with loved ones about
death and dying?
19%
81%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How likely are you to visit or telephone a friend or relative who has recently lost a loved one in order to see how
they are doing?
10%
90%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How likely are you to preplan the funeral or memorial service of
someone you’re caring for?
26%
74%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryLikely
Somewhat to VeryLikely
How afraid are you of dying from a long-term illness?
36%
64%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryAfraid
Somewhat to VeryAfraid
How afraid are you of dying suddenly?
68%
32%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryAfraid
Somewhat to VeryAfraid
How afraid are you of dying alone?
52%
48%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryAfraid
Somewhat to VeryAfraid
How afraid are you of dying in an institution such as a
nursing home or hospital?
43%
47%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryAfraid
Somewhat to VeryAfraid
How afraid are you of dying painfully?
23%
77%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryAfraid
Somewhat to VeryAfraid
There is a special value in getting old.
10%
90%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Somewhat to StronglyDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
Dying is an important part of life.
6%
84%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Somewhat to StronglyDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
If someone could tell me that I likely have six months or less to live, I would
want to know.
13%
87%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Somewhat to StronglyDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
Caring for people who are dying is a rewarding
experience.
26%
74%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly to SomewhatDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
If I knew I was dying, I would want medical intervention to keep me alive
as long as possible.
74%
26%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Somewhat to StronglyDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
How concerned are you that your (or your
spouse/partner’s) money won’t last?
34%
66%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all to Not VeryConcerned
Somewhat to Very Concerned
How concerned are you that your family’s money
won’t last?
37%
63%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all to Not VeryConcerned
Somewhat to Very Concerned
How concerned are you that you will be a burden to
your family or friends?
29%
71%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all to Not VeryConcerned
Somewhat to Very Concerned
Which of the following problems would be worse than death?
64%
77%
71%
9%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Living with great pain
Total physicaldependancy on others
Not being able tocommunicate my
wishes/needs
Nothing is worse thandeath
Health Care Power of Attorney
36%
55%
9%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Have heard about andcompleted
Have heard about butnot completed
Have not heard about
Living Will
38%
59%
3%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Have heard about andcompleted
Have heard about butnot completed
Have not heard about
Last will and testament
57%
42%
1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Have heard about andcompleted
Have heard about butnot completed
Have not heard about
Funeral or burial pre-plan
22%
76%
3%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Have heard about andcompleted
Have heard about butnot completed
Have not heard about
With whom have you talked about your wishes for care at the end of life?
46%
55%
19%
15%
8%
5%
2%
18%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Family
Friends
Lawyer
Primary physician
Clergy
Other
Have not talked withanyone
Who would you want to initiate a conversation with you regarding end-
of-life issues?54%
63%
26%
12%
33%
31%
1%
6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Family
Friends
Lawyer
Primary physician
Clergy
Other
No One
Who would you trust to provide information on end-of-life issues?
68%
23%
29%
26%
49%
7%
6%
7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Primary physician
Local hospital
Local hospice
Lawyer
Clergy
American CancerSociety
AARP
No one
How important is having family / friends visiting you?
4%
96%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is being able to stay in your home?
8%
92%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important are honest answers from your doctor?
0%
100%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is comfort from religious / spiritual services or
persons?
11%
89%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is knowing medicine would be available to
you?
4%
96%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is planning your own funeral or memorial
service?
24%
76%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is being able to complete your own will?
4%
96%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is fulfilling personal goals/pleasures?
19%
81%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is reviewing your life history with your
family?
25%
75%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is having health care professionals visit
you at your home?
18%
82%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is getting your finances in order?
3%
97%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is understanding your treatment
options?
1%
99%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is giving to others in time, gifts, or
wisdom?
10%
90%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is being physically comfortable?
3%
97%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is being free from pain?
2%
98%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is having things settled with the family?
1%
99%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is being at peace spiritually?
3%
97%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is not being a burden to loved ones?
3%
97%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is knowing how to say goodbye?
7%
93%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How Important is having a sense of your own worth?
9%
91%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
How important is being off machines that extend life such
as life support?
4%
76%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to Not VeryImportant
Somewhat to VeryImportant
If you could choose the ONE way you die, what would your choice
be?
21%
1%
60%
6%
12%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Sudden death
Long-term illness
Death while sleeping
Other
No preference
If you were terminally ill and could choose where to die, where would
you MOST want to die?
59%
2%
9%
3%
8%
20%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
At home
In an assisted livingfacility
In a hospital
In a nursing home
In a residential hospice
No preference
I am afraid my doctor may not believe I am in pain or may not treat my pain.
51%
49%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly to SomewhatDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
I would only take pain medicines when the pain is severe.
17%
83%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly to SomewhatDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
I would take the lowest amount of medicine possible to save larger doses
for later when the pain is worse.
24%
76%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly to SomewhatDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
I am afraid I will become addicted to the pain medicine over time.
65%
35%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly to SomewhatDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
I am afraid I would be given too much pain medicine.
62%
38%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly to SomewhatDisagree
Somewhat to StronglyAgree
What type of support would you want if you were dying?
96%
92%
90%
85%
88%
78%
92%
82%
91%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Listen when I talk
Provide transportation
Help with chores
Do fun things with me
Know what I want when I die
Help care for other family members
Encourage me when I'm down
Understand what I'm going through
Know about my illness
Listen when I want to talk64%
84%
51%
40%
53%
8%
45%
4%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Provide transportation
61%
72%
47%
39%
19%
3%
20%
13%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Help with chores
59%
75%
48%
37%
17%
3%
18%
11%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Do fun things with me
64%
85%
64%
61%
9%
6%
25%
7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Know what I want when I die
65%
84%
46%
24%
26%
3%
26%
1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Help care for other family members
58%
69%
60%
36%
20%
4%
31%
8%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Encourage me when I am down
65%
81%
61%
56%
35%
11%
48%
8%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Understand what I’m going through
63%
71%
47%
42%
47%
9%
34%
10%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Know about my illness65%
81%
57%
44%
51%
7%
33%
5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Spouse/partner
Children
Other Family
Friends/neighbors
Health providers
Work associates
Faith community
Community Org.
Have you heard of hospice services?
5%
49%
46%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Never heard ofthem
Heard a little aboutthem
Heard a lot aboutthem
How did you learn about hospice?
63%
6%
4%
26%
29%
39%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Knew someonewho usedhospice
Have usedservices
personally
I am/washospice volunteer
Heard from ahealth careprofessional
Multi-mediaresources
Heard fromothers
If dying, would you want hospice support?
66%
2%
32%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Yes
No
Don't know/notsure
Where would you want to receive hospice support?
39%
28%
24%
27%
91%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
In a hospiceresidence
In a hospital
In a nursing home
In a residentialfacility
In my own home
To the best of your knowledge, does Medicare pay for hospice
services?
65%
6%
29%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not sure
No
Yes
For which of the following chronic illnesses do you think hospice services
would be helpful?
85%
60%
61%
56%
66%
8%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Cancer
Heart disease
Alzheimer's disease
Lung disease
Stroke
Other
Would you be interested to hear more about hospice
services?
23%
22%
45%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not sure
Not at All to NotVery Interested
Somewhat to VeryInterested
How religious/spiritual do you consider yourself?
11%
89%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at All to NotVery Religious /
Spiritual
Somewhat toVery Religious /
Spiritual
How often do you attend religious or spiritual
services?60%
21%
13%
4%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Regularly
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
How often do you find strength in your religion or
spirituality?58%
20%
10%
8%
4%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
One or more timesa day
A few times a week
A few times amonth
Once a month orless
Never
Does a member of your household have a serious, chronic illness?
12%
88%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Yes
No
If respondent has chronic illness, which best describes it?
19%
33%
0%
10%
2%
36%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Cancer
Heart disease
Alzheimer'sdisease
Lung disease
Stroke
Other
Marital Status
9%
55%
3%
11%
20%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Single, never married
Married
Living together as ifmarried
Divorced
Widowed
Highest level of education completed
7%
28%
39%
15%
11%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Less than high school
H.S. grad or equivalent
Some college or tech training
College graduate
Post-grad or profess.
Current employment status
46%
10%
37%
5%
2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Full-time
Part-time
Retired/Not working
Other, such as Homemaker
Unemployed/Looking forwork
Race/Ethnicity
94%
1%
0%
2%
0%
1%
3%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
White
Black or AfricanAmerican
Asian
American Indian orAlaskan Native
Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander
Some Other Race
Refused
Household income8%
21%
16%
16%
11%
8%
7%
13%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Less than $10,000
$10,000 to under $20,000
$20,000 to under $30,000
$30,000 to under $40,000
$40,000 to under $50,000
$50,000 to under $60,000
$60,000 to under $75,000
$75,000 or more