Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Niki Weiss of ENDevo to explore the urgent need for advance care planning in today's healthcare system. Drawing from my experiences treating stroke and aneurysm patients, I shared how the absence of clear directives often leaves families making agonizing, last-minute decisions—usually without knowing what their loved ones would have truly wanted.
Death is inevitable, yet many avoid talking about it. In Western culture, it’s often treated as a failure rather than a natural part of life. As a result, most people die without having documented their health planning wishes, naming a healthcare proxy, or considering what a "good death" would look like for them. The fallout? Family disputes, unwanted medical interventions, wasted financial resources, and emotional trauma. Tragically, many spend their final days isolated in hospitals instead of surrounded by loved ones.
These trials and tribulations are what inspired me to create Thanacare: a healthcare planning platform that empowers people to document their choices, choose a medical proxy, and ensure those decisions are shared, understood, & honored. These are not just forms—they are gifts to the people we love. The conversation with Niki was thoughtful, deeply human, and one we need to be having a lot more frequently in our culture. We talked about why people procrastinate these conversations, how technology is improving access to advance care planning, and what it really means to die with dignity.
Niki and I spoke about how the emotional cost of avoiding end-of-life conversations is enormous—but so is the financial cost. Without documented wishes, hospitals often default to aggressive treatments that can quickly deplete life savings without improving quality of life. Families, desperate not to "give up," often face guilt, debt, and regret when treatments prolong suffering rather than honor dignity. Another pressing concern? The rise of solo agers—individuals aging without close family ties—who often lack a designated healthcare proxy. In the absence of planning, decisions might fall to strangers or even emerging AI systems increasingly used in hospital triage. While AI can assist with medical predictions, we stress that only clear, human-guided directives should determine care at life’s end. Let's not outsource our last days to machines.
The takeaway: It’s never too early to start. Every adult—whether 18 or 80—should have basic documents like a Healthcare Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and a POLST in place. These should be reviewed regularly, just like any financial plan. Ultimately, legacy isn't just about money or possessions—it's about the emotional clarity we leave behind. Thoughtful end-of-life planning lifts a heavy burden from our loved ones, ensuring they can honor our wishes without fear, doubt, or conflict. Facing the reality of death isn't morbid—it’s empowering. As leaders in this industry, I am grateful that Niki is emphasizing and normalizing these conversations, using digital tools to make planning easier, clearer, and more accessible for everyone.
Watch the full episode on YouTube, and start the conversation today.
Visit ENDevo life to listen to host Niki Weiss and expert guests explore the complexities of end-of-life and estate planning in the digital age. Each week, they share inspiring stories and practical advice on safeguarding your digital and physical assets, ensuring your loved ones avoid chaos, confusion, and costly legal battles if something happens to you.