Even the thought of talking about death and dying can make many people squeamish and Granite VNA is striving to remove the fear and stigma attached to the subject.

“Through all of our programs, we have always encouraged meaningful conversations about this subject,” said Jennifer Brechtel, CHES, Director of Community Health. “It takes tremendous courage for someone to talk about their fears, hopes, goals, and legacy especially if they are uncomfortable.”

This spring we are offering community wellness programs in Laconia and Concord on this important topic. Our next program on April 10 at Taylor Community features Patricia O’Connor, a nurse practitioner, end-of-life expert, and author of “Navigating Life’s Final Journey.”

She will share her knowledge and experiences supporting families through the difficult, yet important conversations we all must have to design our own path for the end of life.

A Life’s Calling
O’Connor was a member of the palliative care team at Concord Hospital and was formally the head nurse at Connecticut Hospice, the first hospice in the nation. She now reaches more people at presentations in group settings and through her book.

“I love what I do,” O’Connor said. “I recently received a letter from a woman who purchased my book and then also bought it for her father because she wanted to bring it up in conversation. I’ve had this happen a few times in which people read the book, but they are not sure how to bring it up. They make it similar to a book discussion so there is some separation there.”

“I received an e-mail from a man on New Year’s Day,” she added. “He wrote that I heard your talk in the spring and I read your book. My wife died in September and I was prepared and I think it went well. I am eternally grateful for your book and your talk.”

Upcoming Programs
A week following the program at Taylor Community is the return of Death Over Dinner, an event that features our hospice team members leading conversations at individual tables.

Our series continues with What Matters Most on Wednesday, May 29 at Bennett Funeral Home. What would be most important to you if you were living with a serious illness? What is essential to your quality of life? Those are just two of the thought-provoking questions asked during the event.

“To normalize talking about death and dying in conversations is really important,” O’Connor said. “The first step is to ask yourself what do you want things to look like as you near the end of life because we will all die. We have not conquered death.”

To register for any of our community wellness programs, please visit our calendar.