Ep. 89 Navigating End-of-Life Conversations: Embracing the Uncomfortable

In episode 89 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, emphasizes the importance of allowing and engaging in hard conversations about end-of-life matters. She acknowledges the common discomfort and avoidance surrounding these discussions, sharing her personal experiences of sometimes shutting down conversations or dominating them with her own opinions. Marie encourages listeners to forgive themselves for past avoidance and to strive towards being a safe space for others to express their end-of-life concerns and questions. She suggests informal settings like around a campfire or in the backyard as conducive environments for initiating such conversations, stressing the importance of asking open-ended questions and respecting the other person's readiness to talk. Additionally, Marie announces the future Hospice Explained community, a membership community aimed at providing a safe space for more in-depth discussions and support. She concludes by recommending the PBS Frontline documentary 'Being Mortal' by Dr. Atul Gawande, highlighting it as an insightful resource on the challenges of end-of-life conversations even among healthcare professionals.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 The Importance of Hard Conversations About End of Life

01:56 Creating a Safe Space for Difficult Discussions

03:14 Introducing the Hospice Explained Community

03:43 Recommendation: 'Being Mortal' Documentary

04:18 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Being Mortal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQhI3Jb7vMg

Marie's Contact:

Google voicemail: 206-705-3080

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice