Talking to a loved one about what they want when death looms can be a difficult task for many but it doesn't have to be, according to experts.
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A number of women working in the field hope to open a conversation around death and dying at the Project Contemporary Artspace on Thursday, and highlight death should not be feared.
"People think if they talk about it, they are calling it in in some way," said Director of Tender Funerals Australia Jenny Briscoe-Hough.
"It's not in our culture to really talk about it, though I do think it's changing."
People think if they talk about it, they are calling it in in some way.
- Jenny Briscoe-Hough
Ms Briscoe-Hough is one of four panelists who will discuss and answer questions surrounding end of life care, official documentation and processes needed to ensures one's wishes are carried out, legacies, financial planning and what type of funeral one may like.
She said anyone of any age and life stage is welcome to the Elephant in the Room event, as everyone should be having these conversations.
"It's about having people in the room who can help, people who have expertise in end of life directives," Ms Briscoe-Hough said.
"A lot of people haven't had these conversations and so a lot of people come to us and are not sure what their families want. The difference is when they do know ... it's like they're doing what the person wanted for them."
Panelist Belinda Brooks works as an End of Life Educator/Consultant and encourages people to develop skills to have these difficult conversations.
"We need to learn how to feel safe to have these conversations, to talk about what we want at end of life and to feel supported to make it happen," Ms Brooks said.
"Having conversations and getting the planning and support in place for end of life means we can live better with the time we do have. Understanding choices also usually results in healthier bereavement for those who are left behind."
Other panelists include co-founder of ExSitu April Creed who will share ideas around official documents to enable people to drive the direction of their own aging experience; and creative practitioner Rebekah Lambert, who believes "the collection of a sound of a voice, the turn of a phrase and the story of a person allows us all to live on after death".
Elephant in the Room is a free event, at Project Contemporary Artspace Wollongong, Thursday 6pm.
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
