Families are left suffering because of indecision about dying, says Dr Lucy Fergus.
Wednesday is Conversations That Count Day, to raise awareness about the need to decide early what you want when you cannot communicate.
The Hawke's Bay doctor said as people got older they were good at writing wills, powers of attorney and planning funerals, but few decided what they would want when they lose control. Decisions such as continuing life support when there was no hope of recovery or treatment options could be a burden on family members.
"There is good evidence that family members have less stress at the time a family members dies if they have Advanced Care Planning," she said.
"It is a really unsettled time for families. You are already under pressure of maybe losing your loved one but also having to make some difficult calls about whether you do specific treatments.