Dying to Know Day

“Have you had ‘the conversation yet’ … you know the one about dying, death, funerals and your wishes”.

Talking about death can be difficult, people don’t want to think about it and tend to avoid the conversation. However, it is probably the most important conversation you can have with your family or close friends, because it is about planning and preparing for this inevitable event that will happen sometime in your future. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

There is a lot of change happening around end of life, dying and funerals, which means there is a lot of new information to learn. Having knowledge helps us make informed decisions about the end of life care, death care and funeral choices we want and being able to act on that knowledge is empowering.

For example, do you know:

• what an advance care plan is and how it is used?
• how to access palliative care in your area?
• about alternatives to traditional cremation/burial in your local area?
• what support is available for you to be at home for your end-of-life and death?
• how an End-of-Life Doula could support you and your family through the end of life process, death and after?

“As a trained end-of-life doula working alongside individuals, their families and care team, I am aware of the difference having your wishes in place and an understanding of the end of life process can make. It is so empowering for a dying person and their family to be able to navigate the process with more control and less fear.”

If you are looking to build your death literacy, so you can make informed decisions that are consistent with your values and wishes, then Dying to Know Day may help. 

Dying to Know Day is held on the 8th of August each year and is for everyone. The purpose of this day is to give people the opportunity to learn about end of life, dying and death. Events and functions are held nationally, offering a space to talk about end of life plans, options and support available, and to have questions answered. 

Look out for an event near you or click on the link https://www.dyingtoknowday.org/ to find an event in your area. 

It is all about helping people, families and communities to do death better.

Marg Bruechert is a member of the Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association.
Her business Zen Reflections offers End-of-Life Doula, Reiki & Energy Therapies, Counselling & Personal Growth services.
For more information about how a doula can support you, please click on www.zenreflections.com.au