A Good Death Starts Before the End: Pathways Shares Expertise With the Community
Planning for the future can be difficult. Conversations about serious illness, end-of-life wishes and what happens when someone can no longer make decisions for themselves are not always easy to begin. But having those conversations before they are urgently needed can make an important difference for individuals and the people who love them.
That was the focus of a recent presentation by Natalie Petersen, Pathways Director of Business Development, as part of the UCHealth Aspen Club “Ducks in a Row” Education Series.
The UCHealth Aspen Club offers programs designed to help adults age 50 and older make the most of their aging experience. The “Ducks in a Row” series takes a proactive approach to future planning, providing education and practical guidance for getting personal affairs in order and preparing for important decisions down the road.
Natalie’s presentation, “A Good Death Starts Before the End,” addressed the importance of planning ahead for serious illness and end-of-life care.
Planning ahead can make difficult decisions easier
When someone is facing a life-limiting illness, decisions can come quickly and carry significant emotional weight. Families may suddenly find themselves trying to understand care options, make decisions on behalf of a loved one and navigate unfamiliar territory—all while dealing with the emotions that come with a serious illness.
Planning ahead gives individuals an opportunity to think through what matters to them before those decisions become urgent. It also gives families and loved ones greater clarity about their wishes.
These conversations are an important part of preparing for the future, and they are conversations Pathways has extensive experience having with individuals and families.
Bringing hospice expertise into the community
As a nonprofit hospice organization serving Northern Colorado, Pathways brings specialized knowledge and decades of experience to conversations about serious illness, hospice care, grief and end-of-life planning.
That expertise extends beyond the care Pathways provides to patients and families. Community education is another important way Pathways serves the people in our region. By sharing knowledge and answering questions, Pathways can help community members better understand their options and feel more prepared to make informed decisions when the time comes.
Participating in educational programs such as the UCHealth Aspen Club’s “Ducks in a Row” series allows Pathways to bring that expertise directly into the community and contribute to conversations that can benefit individuals and families long before hospice care may be needed.
Thank you to the UCHealth Aspen Club for creating an opportunity for this important conversation, and to Natalie Petersen for representing Pathways and sharing her knowledge and experience.
Planning for the end of life may not be easy, but starting the conversation early can help ensure that when difficult decisions arise, individuals and families have greater clarity about what matters most.
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