FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/26/2023

Greencastle, Indiana.   Some seriously ill and elderly persons have a difficult time identifying someone to be their healthcare representative.  “After a presentation in the community, people frequently approach me saying that they are all alone and do not know whom to ask to be their representative,” said Elaine Peck, Director of the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association.  Peck stated that this increasing isolation is due to several factors, including the aging of the population, extended longevity, the mobility of society, and people having fewer or no children.

All adults should have a legally designated healthcare representative to make healthcare decisions for them should they become unable to make decisions for themselves in the event of an accident or health crisis.   These representatives may also be needed to provide support and the second set of ears for a person in the case of any serious illness. 

“While modern medicine has created amazing opportunities for prevention, treatment, and cure of diseases, healthcare today is stressed, fragmented, complicated, and specialized, with different systems unable to communicate well with each other,” said Peck.  “Ideally, everyone facing serious illness will have input and support from a trusted person when navigating the healthcare system.”

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) seeks to enhance the quality of life for the terminally ill, their loved ones, and caregivers, by educating the Putnam County community about the benefits of hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning.   PCHPCA is a nonprofit, public charity, and operates with the help of donations, financial support from the Putnam County Community Foundation, and fiscal sponsorship by the Putnam County Hospital. For more 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.

Contact information:
M. Elaine Peck, Director
Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association
1542 South Bloomington Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.