Franklin VNA and Hospice will present the film Consider the Conversation at the Franklin Opera House on Wednesday, October 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The film is a thought-provoking look at end-of-life issues that opens the floodgates of thought and, hopefully, will start conversations about this subject among families and community members.

Barbara Scott RN, Hospice Coordinator at Franklin VNA, says “This film sheds light on the 21^st century American struggle with communication and preparation at life’s end. Throughout the film, there are intimate accounts of the emotional, spiritual, physical, and social burdens associated with the historical shift that has occurred with dying. Consider the Conversation examines multiple perspectives on end-of-life care and includes information and experiences gathered from interviews with patients, families, caregivers, physicians, nurses, and others.”

The film was 18 months in the making and is the work of a filmmaker and a hospice worker who were motivated by personal experience with loss and funded this project entirely with private donations.

Scott adds, “Fifty years ago, most people experienced a quick death, but today we are more likely to go through a slow, incremental dying process. This film does not hand down answers, but it provides the questions we all need to be contemplating. What we hope to accomplish in the showing of this film is 1) change the current attitude that views end-of-life as a failed medical event to one that sees it as a normal process; 2) initiate dialogue between patient and doctor, husband and wife, parent and child, etc.; and 3) encourage medical professionals, healthcare organizations, and clergy to take the lead in counseling others.”

Admission to the film is free, but seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Please call the VNA at 934-3454 to register.

For further information about this event, please contact Barbara Scott at Franklin VNA and Hospice at 75 Chestnut Street in Franklin, or call 934-3454.