The story goes that an elderly woman, in the final hours of her long battle with cancer, started to experience the intense physical pain along associated with the final stages of the disease. Since the patient was unable to communicate, her doctor recommended to her sister, by default the person charged with her medical care, the use of morphine for pain management. The patient’s sister refused to permit the drug to be used, fearful her sister might become addicted to it.
It is this kind of horrific example of miscommunication during the end of one’s life that is a painful reminder to have one’s end of life wishes well known and documented.
That is what Talbot Hospice has in mind with the launch of what they are calling “The Talbot Conversation Project.” It is part of a national initiative to help individuals discuss, document and share with family and health providers those important wishes.
The sad fact is that while 90% of all adults surveyed said it was important to have those discussions, it turns out that only 30% actually have them with their families.
Talbot Hospice leaders want to change those statistics locally. The Talbot Conversations Project has been designed to encourage the residents to talk to their loved ones and doctors about how they want to be treated at this critical point at the end of their lives.
As part of this campaign, the local hospice has invited the author and Harvard Medical School professor, Dr. Angelo Volandes to the Avalon Theatre next month to talk about what he calls “the end of life revolution,” in his most recent book, The Conversation. This free event will tie into their goal of having 90% of Talbot County adults document their end of life care wishes.
In addition to Dr. Volandes, Talbot Hospice is providing copies of his book for free to book groups and Talbot County libraries and also working with the County’s churches to create more interest in the project.
The Spy heard four leaders talk about The Talbot Conversation Project last week at the Talbot Hospice explain to purpose and motive behind this ambitious effort. They include Susan Piggott, President of Talbot Hospice; Dr. Michael Tooke, its medical director; Lisa May, the family services coordinator; and Talbot Hospice chaplain Jody Gunn.
For more information about the Talbot Conversation Project, please go here
This video is approximately seven minutes in length
Donna Allen says
Thank you for sharing this “interview” with everyone. I work for Talbot Hospice and just hearing and seeing my coworkers present this information is uplifting. I’ve read “The Conversation” and I hope we can fill the Avalon. By having the conversation with loved ones there are no questions as to a person’s dying wishes. When a family is given the news that the end is imminent and they have to decide what steps to take, it is such a comfort knowing that they know what their loved one wants.
The interview shows more than the written word can convey. Again, many thanks!