Wollongong is to hold its first ‘Death Cafe’, and while the name might be confronting, the aim is to make the topic less so.
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The June 29 event is being organised by Su Middleton who has been providing community care for seniors for over three decades.
As the director of Home Instead Senior Care Wollongong she helps older residents stay at home for as long as possible – and die at home if they wish.
However, she said, death – while inevitable – is not discussed widely enough.
“Talking about death is always very hard, especially for close relatives and friends of older people – and so often they try to avoid it,” Ms Middleton said.
“However our core business is working with older people and so death is part of our day-to-day experience; and we find older people are willing and able to talk about death.
“They want control and planning over their own death.”
That’s why Ms Middleton looked into the Death Cafe movement, which started in London in 2011 and has since spread to more than 50 countries.
“It’s a not-for-profit volunteer movement and, as the name suggests, it is an opportunity for people – often strangers – to discuss death in a safe and supportive environment,” she said.
“It’s a chance for them to talk about their experiences, their fears and thoughts about death; to increase awareness of palliative care and to share resources and support.”
Retired Illawarra palliative care specialist Dr Michael Barbato will help facilitate the discussion, as well as specialists from Port Kembla Hospital, Tender Funerals and a death doula.
“As a birthing doula works with pregnant women – a death doula works with palliative patients and their families to make informed and affirming choices about death and dying,” Ms Middleton said.
“They help people to make the most out of the time they have left, and may work with them around dying rituals, grief, choices and opportunities.”
Ms Middleton said while death could be a hard conversation for relatives, the alternative was harder.
“If you don’t plan then it places additional stress on relatives,” she said.
“Everyone should have an advanced care directive – a document you put together with your GP to outline your wishes in the event of a medical emergency or palliative condition.”
She urged residents – including those with palliative conditions, their loved ones, the recently bereaved or industry workers to attend the Death Cafe, from 3-5pm at Cafe Essay in Burelli Street.
To register for the free event call 4295 6829 by June 26.
Or book tickets direct at eventbrite.