Best Practice: Silver Key Five Wishes Program Strengthens Care, Engages Community

From Gold Standard to Best Practice

Silver Key’s Five Wishes Program Strengthens Care, Engages Community

Silver Key CEO Jason DeaBueno connected with us to share how his team optimizes Five Wishes to serve seniors, strengthen brand identity, and bring peace of mind to individuals and families…

What initially motivated Silver Key and how did you begin your partnership with Five Wishes?

We’ve always wanted to help older adults feel secure and cared for in every part of life. We realized that many people were worried about the “what if’s” but didn’t know how to start those conversations. Five Wishes really spoke to us because it’s simple, compassionate, and focuses on personal values, not just medical decisions. Partnering felt like a natural step.

What steps did you take to share about Five Wishes and build awareness?

We started by talking about it with folks who were already reaching out for help—through our resource line, in our activity centers, and at community events. We trained our staff and volunteers so they felt confident bringing it up in everyday conversations. We also made sure people could get the Five Wishes booklet in a comfortable, no-pressure way—sometimes over coffee or after an appointment.

Did you encounter challenges in adding an advance care planning program to your resource offerings?

Definitely. Talking about end-of-life wishes can feel scary or uncomfortable. A lot of people just didn’t want to “go there.” We learned to slow down and frame it differently—not as something morbid, but as a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Once people saw it that way, the walls came down.

How do you integrate the discussion of Five Wishes into your broader work helping seniors with resources like housing or food assistance?

It often comes up naturally. If someone is talking about housing or health worries, that’s an opening to say, “Have you ever thought about writing down what matters most to you?” One woman told us that finishing her Five Wishes lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. She said, “Now my kids won’t have to guess.” That kind of relief is powerful.

From your perspective, how does the Five Wishes program contribute to a senior's overall peace of mind and sense of empowerment?

It’s like putting them back behind the steering wheel. They know their voice will be heard, no matter what. For many, that brings a deep sense of calm—they can finally rest easier knowing their wishes are clear and respected.

Can you walk us through the process from someone first learning about Five Wishes through Silver Key to any stories of completion and/or impact?

Usually, someone hears about it at a workshop/class/community event or just in a chat with our staff. They take the booklet home, sometimes go over it with family, and then come back saying, “I did it!” One gentleman told us his family sat down together for the first time and had a really honest talk because of it. That’s what Five Wishes is about—sparking those conversations that make everyone feel more prepared.

What are some of the common concerns or hesitations you’ve observed individuals have when starting the Five Wishes conversation? Any lessons learned for navigating these?

The most common one is, “I don’t want to think about this yet.” Or, “I don’t want to upset my kids.” We’ve learned that if you approach it gently, and remind people it’s about making life easier for their family, it changes how they see it. Starting small helps too—just asking, “What matters most to you if you’re ever really sick?” can open the door.

From Silver Key Clients:

Before completing your Five Wishes, what were your thoughts on end-of-life planning? What made you decide to move forward with it?

I figured that by having a will and trust, I had covered all the necessary bases needed for end of life. Five Wishes opened my eyes to several end-of-life questions. It addressed the issues that a will or trust does not cover. Five Wishes was easy to navigate, explained things in layman’s terms, and gave me a sense of accomplishment on those issues difficult to express to family and friends.

How did Silver Key help you feel comfortable discussing these personal and important decisions?

My Silver Key volunteer put things in perspective and made it easy to understand. He explained every paragraph in the document and gave me analogies and situations that could arise if I did not have the document. He also worked out a place I could get my will completed for a low cost. I now feel that I am ready for the end, and I have a new peace of mind.

What was the most challenging part of the Five Wishes process, and how did you navigate it?

The document was not difficult at all. My biggest issue was deciding who would receive copies and who I could trust to carry on my wishes. My volunteer was the first person to receive a copy and he will follow my wishes to the letter. I trust him.

What aspect of the Five Wishes document provides you with the most peace of mind?

I was very comfortable with the questions as to how I wanted to be treated when the end is near. It made me feel in charge on how I would be accepted in the hospital or assisted living. My volunteer also explained that having a will and Five Wishes prepared me for the end, it left no stone unturned. He placed the documents in a safe box for me and now I know all the details are complete. I can move into my elder years knowing “the paperwork is all done”.

What would you say to those who are hesitant to start the advance care planning conversation with a loved one? Any tips on getting started?

A person has made choices all their life, before completing Five Wishes. They have selected their home, their cars, and even their own favorite furniture. Why not also choose how you want the end of life to be in your favor? So many people think that having a will or family members is the answer to their final planning. I simply tell them that the future is never one hundred percent guaranteed and that it’s always good to have a set plan.

Actionable Tips You Can Use!

Create a Five Wishes landing page on your website.

Make sure you’re co-branding with us to extend your message and reach.

Train your team to facilitate meaningful and effective conversations around Five Wishes.
 

Pick the right resources to grow your advance care planning program and move key quality indicators for your organization.

Silver Key created a video to align their mission with Five Wishes. You can do the same or utilize our free Five Wishes How-To Video .

Reach out to media about how Five Wishes aligns with your values and how you’re using it to make a difference.