LeadingAge New Jersey and New Jersey Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Announce “Being Mortal” Film Project

HAMILTON, N.J., April 14, 2016 -- In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day this April 16^th, 2016, LeadingAge NJ and NJHPCO announce their partnership in the “Being Mortal” Project – an important series of community education events about end-of-life decisions.

LeadingAge NJ member communities and NJHPCO member hospices will host screenings of PBS’s Frontline film, “Being Mortal,” to educate and encourage people to take concrete steps to identify and communicate their wishes for end-of-life care. Both organizations will engage wide and diverse audiences, including both members of the public and clinicians. A guided discussion will follow the film to spark reflection and conversation around these sensitive decisions. 

These pioneering LeadingAge New Jersey & NJHPCO member communities will be among the first in the state to air these screenings: Center for Hope & Hospice, Scotch Plains; Embracing Hospice Care, Cranbury; Green Hill, Inc, West Orange; Greenwood House, Ewing; Holy Redeemer Hospice-NJ Shore, Egg Harbor Township; Jewish Home Family, Rockleigh; Lighthouse Hospice, Cherry Hill, Masonic Village at Burlington, Burlington; Medford Leas, Medford; Preakness Health Care, Wayne; FE Parker/River Road, Highland Park and Stonebridge at Montgomery, Skillman.

The film will have its red carpet premiere from 7:30-9pm at the LeadingAge NJ Annual Meeting on June 2^nd at Harrah’s Waterfront Hotel in Atlantic City. 

“Research shows that over 70% of people would prefer to die at home, but over 50% die in a hospital or nursing home,” said Michele Kent, LeadingAge NJ President & CEO. “Our goal for the “Being Mortal” Project is to raise awareness about the critical issue of end of life planning. It’s such a difficult conversation to have, but in reality, it’s never too early to have it.”

“New Jersey is actually ahead of the curve in this regard,” continued Kent, “the state has made Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms available to patients since 2013. POLST enables terminal patients to decide for themselves what end-of-life treatment they want – while they are still able to make that choice.”

Aired on PBS in February 2015, “Being Mortal” follows physician Atul Gawande as he thinks about death and dying in the context of being a healer. The renowned writer and Boston surgeon shares stories about experiences at the end of life from patients and his own family. Dr. Gawande published a national bestselling book by the same name.

About LeadingAge NJ

LeadingAge New Jersey is the statewide association of not-for-profit senior care organizations and is dedicated to advancing quality aging services in New Jersey through advocacy, education and fellowship. Together with our partner, LeadingAge, we advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.

CONTACT: Michele Mount, (609) 955-1194