Dying Matters Coalition

Website: www.dyingmatters.org
Phone (UK): 08000 214466
Led by the National Council for Palliative Care and supported by the Department of Health

Category:

Education

Tags:

• dying
• matters
• coalition
• national
• council
• palliative
• care
• DOH

[phekwig]

My partner works with Alzheimer patients. She is often asked to be a companion to the dying. In fact one of her patients died today... It's a good thing that your government is doing in order to spread awareness...

[FinalTaboo]

Shes doing a powerful job. I think it's good to raise awareness of this, and if the government see the validity they've got a lot more clout than the odd lone voice.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

I think that it is awesome that you are a member of an organization which informs people about death and dying issues. Unfortunately, many people in right-to-die organizations, only seem to focus on methodology, rather than to focus on trying to eliminate the "taboo" regarding death; hence a reason why there are so many legal cases brought against various right-to-die organizations, Therefore, it is good that you and me are trying to do what we can, against the taboo of death.

[FinalTaboo]

Thank you. And it's really good to know someone who is attempting something similar, even if we're coming at it from different angles. It seems so rare that its acceptable to just talk about whatever aspect of it one is moved to without everyone throwing their hands up in horror or running away.

[FinalTaboo]

@empacae I'm not sure about embarrassment, but privacy at such a moment seems important, not to have to deal with the emotions of others as well as that. The story you tell of your father at the hospital is sadly very common. I'm so glad my mother spent her last weeks in a hospice, which was truly wonderful. But I can also relate to the sense of beauty in death of which you speak.

[empacae]

examine him and make the pronouncement. He told us that he sees this all the time. That people in the company of their loved ones and other people around, have this feeling of embarresment about dying in front of people, and quite often will pick their moment to let go. It was one of the saddest days in my life, yet it was somehow beautiful too. He died with dignity, courage, and hope.

[empacae]

My dad was in palliative care in the hospital. The staff were apathetic in their duties. We found him in a soiled garments and sheets. Right then and there we demended a cot set up in his room and our family took shifts to care for him 24/7. He stabalized, and we brought him home. Set up a hospital bed in the living room, and continued to care for him until he passed. He picked his moment, we had just left the room to make some tea, and that was it. The doctor (a freind of the family) came to...

[FinalTaboo]

Ha! :)

[Serge165]

@FinalTaboo Teacher seeking missiles?

[FinalTaboo]

Definitely.

Yes, it reminds me of a degree too. Maybe I've been given one for all my hard work and learning over the past 18 months or so.