More Articles Describing End of Life Doula Support to Help People Plan for the What-Ifs and Some Day Scenario

Not the cheeriest of holiday topics, but the 'gift' of inner peace and comfort for one's family and friends around a tough topic is one we could all tune into exploring. www.doulagivers.com makes it easier with some free programs to help people get an overview. See nyp.st/2k2Canr for an article on how more people are planning for support when dying or anticipating such a time (whether through illness or accident or injury..) Google other talks on this delicate topic even for ten minutes now and then to warm up to the topic if one hasn't had the occassion to give it much thought. In Australia there's a video about widespread loneliness and a growing number of 'unattended deaths' (often suicides, so at least they are addressing the situations more publicly.) The Feed, SBS Video of 12/5/17 Unattended (from Australia) describes a woman about age 90 who died six months prior to being found along with her many moving diaries of her life story. Sadly a neighbor who seemed to know her did not 'take the lead' and try to make sure she has some support as would have been appropriate to help her have more dignity in her final years and days. Maybe more people could inquire and refer people to senior centers but there is a fine line to helping and taking someone's independence away. More middle ground and being aware of laws in each state are needed to help people realize the game rules everyone is playing under nowadays.

 If you feel 'called' or interested in pursuing more training, they are offering a reduced rate on programs through December 17th, 2017... not much notice, but some. I took the Levels 1,2, and 3 as well as the Consultant Training which helps people review important basics like having a Health Care Representative, Measured for Sustaining Life and Comfort Care. 

These things can be learned over time, and clarified then 'made official' so everyone is 'on the same page'. If one's health or life is declining to the point that one 'really should have a plan in place' that's one reason to prioritize these matters. If one is alive and well..that's Another Reason to Plan Ahead so it's 'one less worry' should 'something (generally an accident or unexpected health crisis...) happen, you and yours are more prepared than not. Maybe something to put on one's New Year's Resolution list, to learn about over the span of weeks and a few months, then to have a plan in place and shared with key people in one's circle and medical staff, often having on record at one's local hospital makes sense. 

See The Five Wishes also for basic guidelines but consider an EOLD, End of Life Doula can help one review that a few times, initially and checking in with more details before you finalize if that would prove helpful.  Summarizing for everyone's convenience the 'take away' main decisions is another helpful tip, but anything 'official' needs to be duly signed and witnessed by two adults (ideally not related to the signer, but these are details to check. )

 An End of Life Doula is a non-medical, non-legal support person. Thanks for sharing with others as it may seem appropriate to help 'change the landscape' when it comes to broaching the topics of 'what would you do if one's end were imminent.."

 Consider that most people are asked rather candidly if he or she would want to be an organ donor and so on. Every topic merits some time to consult with online resources (to get a sense of pros and cons, learn of people who have done such things or who have opted out, options for doing so and various cultural and religious views.) While some people promote 'leaving the person's body--and spirit-- undisturbed for a vigil or a burial 
 or cremation within a day or so, others are more flexible.." Rudolf Steiner, Edgar Cayce, Christian, Jewish, Tibetan and others have important ideas to consider. 

The Parlor is a current film on this topic and includes ideas of 'green burials, home vigils and so on.' Honoring the people in one's life and growing circles of support seems a helpful strategy for facing any stage of life and that can hold true when it final earthly stages are at hand. Peace, forgiveness, healing, courage, grace and love all flow amidst the people in one's circles.. and ideally with more awareness and teamwork that can happen more naturally..