Hospice NZ says Kiwis struggle to talk about dying

Wayne Naylor told Radio New Zealand’s The Panel that modern Western medicine has become incredibly skilled at curing and extending life. But in focusing so heavily on cure, society has often denied death, Hospice NZ explained in a summary of the discussion.

“It’s treated as failure rather than a natural part of life. The result is that many people feel unprepared, isolated or afraid to talk about dying.”

What is needed is “a health system that values dying well as much as it values starting well, getting well and living well”.

“Because dying well matters. For our own dignity and for our whānau. And it says a lot about who we are and how we care for one another as humans. Hospice care helps people live well until they die, with comfort, compassion and aroha.”

Mr Naylor also challenged a common myth about hospice care. Hospice care does not mostly happen in hospice buildings. Most hospice care happens in people’s homes, around kitchen tables, in lounge chairs, beside hospital beds and surrounded by the people and things that matter most.

“Hospice is not just a building,” Hospice NZ stated. “It is compassionate care that wraps around people and whānau wherever they are.”

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