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 four facilitated discussion sessions we will share our knowledge and experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Course Dates
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 17 March
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 24 March
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 31 March
7:30 – 8:30pm Thursday 7 April
The venue will be the Hayagriva Buddhist Centre, 64 Banksia Terrace, Kensington 6151.
Module 1 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 first of the three ‘Modules’ of the course, we will discuss ‘physical’ issues such as pain relief, home versus hospital, and so on. Module 2 focusses on emotional and intellectual issues and Module 3 on the psychological and spiritual aspects.
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
We will follow government and local regulations as they apply in March and April, whilst trying to maintain face-to-face classes. Sitting at least 1.5m apart and wearing masks is likely to be compulsory. Due to these Covid restrictions, places are limited.
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 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.
17 March: Be reliable: turn up when you promised. Really look into my eyes; I am lonely and afraid
24 March: I am afraid of becoming a ‘vegetable’; if that happens please honour my wishes. Relieve my pain but don’t put me to sleep
31 March: Be my advocate when I can’t communicate. In hospital, I am cut off from my normal world and enjoyments
7 April: Let me die at home
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.
