End-of-Life Care: Discussions on the Needs of the Dying
What do dying people say they really need? How can we help them? And what lessons are there for me?
In this introductory course of facilitated discussion sessions we will share our knowledge and experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Testimonials from Module 1:
“I feel you are doing a wonderful job so far bringing us altogether to share useful experiences, ideas, and knowledge”
“Very relaxed and informal, we looked at topics from many angles thus enhancing our prior experiences and memories”
Module 2 Course Dates
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 12 May
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 19 May
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 26 May
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 2 June
The venue will be the Hayagriva Buddhist Centre, 64 Banksia Terrace, Kensington 6151.
Module 2 of the course in End-of-Life Care will comprise four guided discussions on how people feel and what they need most at the end of their life.
Benefits
This course will better equip you to face death and help you to know what to do for loved ones you are caring for.
Those with an interest in the emotional and spiritual side will find the course especially helpful.
In the second of the three ‘Modules’ of the course, we will discuss ‘emotional and intellectual’ issues such as denial – fear of telling or being told the truth – worry about how those left behind will cope, being comatose or demented, and so on.
The End-of-Life Care course will be the ideal introduction for those wishing to explore the possibility of volunteering in the Pure Land’s new premises, which will be ready for occupation during 2023.
COVID Precautions
There are currently no COVID rules in force at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre. This includes no masks, no registration and no limits on the number of persons in attendance.
Bookings
The cost will be $30 for one, two, three or four sessions. We do not have portable equipment for processing credit card payments on the night.
Topics for Discussion
After 20 years in palliative care, Christine Longaker summarized what she had learnt in an original way (see her book Facing Death and Finding Hope): she put herself in the shoes of the dying person and asked, “What is it I most need? Why am I difficult at times?” Each topic in our Thursday evening discussion sessions is based on her findings. To answer many of the questions that arise, we find Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book How to Enjoy Death very helpful.
There will be two or three topics set for discussion each Thursday evening. We will spend about half an hour on each topic. The facilitators will guide the discussions. The topics are listed below.
12 May: I am afraid of dying; this may make me unsociable. My worst side may get stirred up. I’m afraid of telling the truth; please just listen to me.
19 May: Treat me as a whole person. Be honest with me; don’t hide your true feelings
26 May: I worry about the people I am leaving behind; but I am too weak to help. If I am soon to die, don’t hide the truth from me.
2 June: If my mind goes, I still need your love. Don’t give up on me when the going gets rough.
Course Organizer
This course is organized by The Pure Land of the Indestructible Buddha, an incorporated association and a registered charity. The contact persons are Len Warren and Sue Lee admin@purelandcentre.org.au and https://purelandcentre.org.au
The Pure Land aims to build and operate a purpose-built, multi-faith facility that is peaceful, caring and specially designed for those who wish to focus on the spiritual and emotional side in their last weeks. The organizing committee comes mainly from the Buddhist tradition but the Pure Land is open to all. The facility is not a hospice and more details can be found on the website.
