The relationship between palliative care and voluntary assisted dying
At our third workshop in October, Lizz Clarke talked about the relationship between palliative care and voluntary assisted dying.
Lizz’s husband Colin died in June 2020, 3½ years after having been diagnosed with mesothelioma. She told with warmth, insight and even humour of the months Colin spent at home with her and their two children as he succumbed to the disease, and his final days in a palliative care facility. Lizz's account was intensely personal but also informed by her experience as a registered nurse and her insight as a Dignity Therapist.
The talk was full of valuable information about end of life resources, and the support that is available for those dying and the people who love them.
You catch watch Lizz's presentation below.
You can view Lizz's presentation here - Presentation Slides
Colin Clarke made this video to help the campaign for voluntary assisted dying in WA.
RESOURCES FROM PRESENTATION
Dignity Therapy is a life review psychotherapy where people document important memories and leave messages for their loved ones. It focuses on creating a legacy document to alleviate end-of life distress. For more information see http://www.dignitytherapy.com/
Compassionate communities (http://www.compassionatecommunities.net.au/ )
The Compassionate Communities Network aims to promote and integrate social approaches to dying, death and bereavement in the everyday life of individuals and communities.
To find specialist care providers near you visit Palliative Care WA’s Compassionate Communities website at https://palliativecarewa.asn.au/resources/compassionate-communities/
Wisdom Hearthas been created to facilitate free talks within community groups, webinars, workshops, individual and group coaching dedicated to rediscovering and illuminating the Wisdom Heart within each of us, for it is time.
For further information go to http://wisdomheart.com.au/site2/ or contact Lorraine Town on 0408 379 703.
Death doulas are companions who help dying people and their loved ones clear the air, face their fears and feel supported in an environment that is often confronting and overwhelmingly medicalised: https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/voices/health/article/2016/02/05/learning-die-death-doulas-tell-their-stories
Preparing the Way (founded by Helen Callanan) provides End of Life Doula training and emotional and practical support for you and those close to you: https://www.endoflifedouladirectory.com.au/listing/helen-callanan/
Palliative Care WA can provide you with information about palliative care. Call 1800 573 299 for Information and Support 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, or visit the website at https://palliativecarewa.asn.au/
Dying with Dignity WA can provide you with information about voluntary assisted dying, including the status of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019. You can visit our website at https://www.dwdwa.org.au/
There is also comprehensive information on the Department of Health website at https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddying