FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/31/2021
Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association is pleased to share the results of a national survey by The Conversation Project, which reveals that the comfort zone is growing larger for having end-of-life care conversations. More than half (53%) of Americans now say they would feel relieved if a loved one started “The Conversation.”
One of the roadblocks to starting a conversation about wishes for end-of-life care has been the belief that it would make our loved ones anxious. “The survey shows that talking with the people we love about their wishes for end-of-life care brings relief, not anxiety,” says Ellen Goodman, founder of The Conversation Project. “This is another important impetus to change.”
In 2013, the survey showed that more than 90 percent of Americans thought it was important to have the conversation but only 27 percent had it. The new survey shows a gradual but significant closing of the gap. Some 32 percent have now had these conversations, an increase of five percent or approximately 12.5 million American adults.
“We have begun to break the taboo around talking about death,” says Goodman. “There’s a huge cultural shift under way. Virtually everyone knows this is important, but there is still a lingering reluctance to begin.”
This is good news, as we approach National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) – April 16th, the day when Americans are encouraged to talk to their loved ones and friends about what matters most to them when it comes to end-of-life care. With NHDD activities planned all over the country, April is a great time to start “The Conversation.”
Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) is a nonprofit public charity that has joined national, state, and community efforts to increase the quality of life for seriously ill persons, their loved ones, their caregivers, and the healthcare community in Putnam County. PCHPCA operates with support from charitable donations and grants, and is partially supported by The Putnam County Community Foundation and the Putnam County Hospital. For additional information, contact Elaine Peck, Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.pchpca.org.
