The following are values that should guide are decision making when we are dealing with end-of-life issues.

1. Sanctity of Human Life
All human life is sacred.  A simple analogy would be that each person is more like a beautiful gold chalice because we are made in the image of God, have the capacity to receive the Body and Blood/Soul and Divinity of God the Son, and we are temples of the Holy Spirit.  Societies sometimes think that we are more like disposable plastic cups, but this is not how God sees us. 

2. Human Dignity
Each person because we are sacred have inalienable rights.  In other words, each person, no matter what stage of life he or she is in deserves always to be treated as a person and not as an object.  We should always ask the question "What is best for the person?" and never "what is easiest for me?"

3. Stewardship
Everything we have is a gift from God and we are to invest whatever God gives us to the best of our ability.  We therefore have no right to take our own lives.  

4. Justice
No one lives in a vacuum and thus we need to always remember that our decisions affect more than ourselves.  We may rob ourselves and others of important moments and experiences if we end our life too soon.

 5) Care for the Poor and Vulnerable
If ​you look at most laws that violate ​Sacredness of Life and Human dignity, ​you will discover that they are mostly if not all aimed at the poor or a minority group.  We as Catholics have a God given task to stand up and protect the poor and vulnerable.

6) Care for the Whole Person
Finally, we must be sure that we are treating the whole person - Body and Soul.  Another way to look at it.  We are called to treat ​people ​physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. 

1. Invite God in - Honestly pray about the situation.  Let God know how you are feeling.  Ask God for the wisdom to know the right thing to do and courage and strength to do it.  

2. Liten - Try to discover your loved one's values and how best to honor his or her wishes.  Try to listen with a non-judgmental ear so your loved one feels free to speak openly.

3. Inform yourself - The Catholic Church does not make guidelines for the sake of making guidelines.  She examines all medical procedures in the light of the Gospel.  It can also be good to be a part of a support group.

4. Be Steadfast in Compassion - Pope Francis reminds us, "Compassion means 'suffer with'."3 Your friend or family member will likely face ups and downs. Recognize these as part of a natural process. Surround him or her with love, support, and companionship that are "anchored in unconditional respect for their human dignity, beginning with respect for the inherent value of their lives."

5.      Help Them Achieve Closure - Help your family member or friend define the unfinished personal projects, financial concerns, unresolved relationships, or other matters that occupy his or her mind. Due to changing circumstances, some goals may need to be reframed. Creating and accomplishing this list of unfinished business can help the person discover a sense of purpose and feel more at peace.
 
6.      Provide Opportunities for Resolution: 
 You can help ensure a peaceful transition for your loved one by facilitating opportunities for reconciliation with others and for mutual expressions of love and gratitude. 

7.      Reminisce: 
Think of other small comforts you can provide that would spark meaningful memories, like special photos or mementos.
 
8.      Provide a Peaceful Presence: 
 Your own quiet, patient presence can provide important support as your loved one prepares emotionally and spiritually for his or her passing. Hearing can become very acute, so playing favorite music, reading a favorite passage, praying together, or simply sitting quietly with him or her can all be very soothing.
 
9.      Show Tenderness: 
Those who are dying remain in need of the tenderness of personal human contact. Ask if you might gently brush your loved one's hair, apply lotion to her hands or feet, or simply hold his hand. Tell stories, laugh, and share memories to reassure the person he or she is a cherished gift, not a burden in any way.
 
10.    Bear Their Transition Patiently: 
Transition, the time immediately preceding death, may bring rapid physical changes, such as in breathing patterns, as well as changes in mental or emotional states. Try to be patient and allow the "how" and "when" of death to be between God and your loved one. Ask God for the wisdom to know what final words to say—if any—and when. As you are able, give your loved one permission to make the transition. For example, you might say, "I love you. It's okay to go home now."