Need for Hospice is likely to double

Population gains mean an increase in need for hospice palliative care is going to almost double in the next 30 years says chief executive of Hospice Taranaki Kevin Nielsen.

Kevin says Hospice Taranaki believe the community has an important part to play in providing support for people, in conjunction with health professionals such as hospice.

We all live and we all die, and life is something to be celebrated through to death.

chief executive of Hospice Taranaki Kevin Nielsen.

Kevin says understandably most people feel uncomfortable talking about dying and death.

"But it is something we all need to do, otherwise we, or our loved ones, may not die in the way we want."

Kevin says talking about death doesn't bring it any closer.

"It is about planning for life," he says.

Hospice Taranaki have ideas on what they believe are important factors when facing the end of life but would like to hear from the community.

"We would like to invite the community to help us start planning for the future now."

A discussion group will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at the Stratford War Memorial Hall from 10am.