Are You Ready for a Courageous Conversation?

Every November, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) shines a spotlight on end-of-life care and seeks to raise awareness about the importance of quality care for people coping with life-limiting illnesses. The theme for 2023’s observation is Courageous Conversations.

The topic of death and mortality is often seen as taboo in our society, making a simple conversation feel daunting. Overcoming these feelings of discomfort to have an honest discussion can have a profound impact in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. 

Things to ask yourself and others might include:

- What does death mean in my life?

- If I am faced with a terminal diagnosis, how would my values shape my end-of-life journey?

- How do I want my loved ones to engage with me toward the end of my life?

It’s difficult to think about these questions but having these courageous conversations with ourselves, family, friends, and doctors can mean the difference between having the type of death a patient wants—one that matches up with their values and desires—and one that doesn’t allow them to have a say in their own end-of-life journey. 

Throughout the month, NHPCO is encouraging everyone to have these Courageous Conversations to start a meaningful dialogue on “dying a good death.”  

To learn more about palliative care services at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, click here.

 Allen Hutcheson, MD, is a family medicine physician and palliative care specialist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.