Dear Senior Odyssey Reader,

For many people in America today, the senior years are Golden Years. Low stress, peace of mind, freedom, and the time to enjoy life and engage in meaningful activities are just some of the many benefits of aging.

It can also be a time of reflection and acceptance that life will end, and that with information, communication, and planning, our inevitable deaths can be peaceful – even beautiful – and an inspiration and gift to those we leave behind.

Human beings rarely give thought to their own deaths until it is upon them. Sigmund Freud said that we are incapable of imagining our own deaths. Very truly, it is difficult. I joined the work of the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association as Director in November 2019, because of my passion for helping people have a “good” death.

While there are common themes, a “good” death is subjective; therefore, it is always best defined when it is based on the wants and needs of the person who is dying. Unfortunately, many times, the wants and needs of the dying person are unknown, and the patient, family members, and physicians engage in a “conspiracy of silence,” where no one acknowledges that the person is dying. Being uninformed about the dying person’s true condition and being uncertain about the wishes of the dying person can yield “hard” deaths, which can be traumatizing for the dying person, their family members, and their medical caregivers.

If there is one word to describe the secret of having a “good” death, that word is communication. We need to share our thoughts and wishes with our loved ones and our healthcare professionals. Family members need to listen and seek to understand their loved ones’ wishes, even if it is different from what they would choose for themselves. Healthcare professionals need to educate the dying person and their loved ones about the true condition of the dying person and what to expect.

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association hopes that the information contained in this issue of the Senior Odyssey encourages reflection, inquiry, and open communication about end-of-life wishes. Please contact us for support and information about advance healthcare planning conversations.

Sincerely,
M. Elaine Peck, Director
765.301.7614                                    
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www.pchpca.org