I am a psychologist working in both assisted living centers and a community hospital. The phenomenon of ignorance of end-of-life/palliative care is alive and well in these settings.

I was once “turned in” to my agency supervisors because I attempted to have a life goal clarifying discussion with a resident with end-stage liver disease. In the same facility, I attempted to share an article reporting on a study which showed employing “elderspeak” (addressing elders informally or with infantilizing labels like “honey” or “sweetie”) can actually diminish lifespan. My effort was met with open ridicule by the “case managment director” and it has been openly ignored.

It never ceases to amaze me that we seem to care more about providing death with dignity for our pets than ourselves.