It is one of the most difficult discussions we will ever have with our parents, but it's probably one of the most important. End of Life issues.

We think of our parents as vital people living a fulfilling, quality life. Thinking about them any other way is difficult.

"If we enter into discussions about caring for our parents, should our parents come to the last months or so of their lives, it's painful to have those discussions, it brings up emotions of grief - you begin to think about my life without my mom," said Ken Zeri, from Kokua Mau.

If initiating an end of life discussion with your parent is difficult, Kokua Mau provides some help.

"We often don't know how to have this discussion so one of the things that Kokua Mau has done on our website is put up tips on how to begin the discussion," said Zeri.

The website also provides resources like advance directive forms. These are filled out by the elders.

"Actually, an advanced directive does a couple of things - one, it says this is how I wish to be treated and the second is, this is who I want to make decisions for me if I can't make them myself," said Zeri.

Zeri believes the start of the new year, when families are together, is a good time to get the discussion going.

"These are discussions that are going to take time. And the worst time to have this discussion is in the hallway with the physician who is saying that your loved one is not doing well. The best time to have this discussion is over a period of several days in the evening in the morning, when ever you like to do these things, when everybody's healthy."

If you are a senior, reluctant to bring up end of life issues with your children, Zeri says you shouldn't be hesitant.

"If I have a discussion with my parent and I know, then my parent has given me a gift because I don't have to worry about the guilt about making a wrong decision."

Click here for a link to Kokua Mau