A lot of myth and superstition still surrounds the topics of death, dying and end-of-life care.

Some of us are even too afraid to talk about the subject in case talking about it makes it happen.

But this National Palliative Care Week May 22-28, Palliative Care Tasmania are urging people to have an open conversation about death and dying and dispel the taboo.

The Better Access to Palliative Care in Tasmania program has worked to change those misconceptions and to educate the community that healthy dying is a part of healthy living.

The Program has also encouraged people to "have the conversation" before it’s too late to continue these conversations across Tasmania. 

Colleen Johnstone General Manager of Palliative Care Tasmania said that it's important to be able to talk about these often taboo subjects.

'It’s all about living, dying and grieving well, many of us leave it too late to talk with family and friends.  

“A reluctance to face up to some hard decisions while we are still healthy and able to choose for ourselves, makes the decision making that much harder for our loved ones in the long run,” she said.

 Ms Johnstone said the funeral industry is one area that is changing its emphasis and setting the trend to plan in advance.

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“Not so long ago it was unheard of to celebrate someone's life at their funeral, whereas now it has become an acceptable choice for many people.”

National Palliative Care Week is an annual awareness raising week organised by Palliative Care Australia.

National Palliative Care Week is a national week supported by the Department of Health to raise awareness and understanding about palliative care in the Australian community.

The theme addresses the need for people with advanced chronic illness to be able to access palliative care.

PCA will highlight how palliative care can help people with chronic illnesses to live well. Four out of five deaths in Australia are caused by chronic illness, but there is a misconception that only cancer patients can access palliative care.

People with chronic illnesses often have more than one chronic illness which affects their health in different ways. Early access to palliative care can help them have a better quality of life.

For more information on National Palliative Care Week and to access resources visit: http://www.tas.palliativecare.org.au/