A NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS

We hold much gratitude for our committed group of volunteers and thank you all for your generosity of heart and support! Your dedication to compassionately serving our patients and families, unequivocally makes a positive difference in their lives.

As Dr. Sarah Kerr, founder of The Centre for Sacred Deathcare says, "thanks for being part of the movement to do death better." 

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUP

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025 (5:00-6:30PM)

Please MARK YOUR CALENDARS to attend our meeting on January 6th. Whether you currently have a patient/family assignment or not, active volunteers are encouraged to participate. Come share your experiences and insights, and increase your knowledge and skills! We look forward to seeing you! Light refreshments provided; Kauai Hospice Conference Room. (RSVPs are appreciated.)

BLOG POST: THIS IS HOW WE LEAVE OUR BODY

BY: BARBARA KARNES, RN

End-of-life educator and hospice nurse Barbara Karnes writes, “We go through labor to enter this world AND we go through labor to leave it. Most of us don’t know this. When we see our special person struggling, we, the watchers, think something pathological is happening or we think the professionals are not doing enough to provide proper care. In reality, nothing bad is happening. It is sad — but not bad. This is how we leave our body, how we leave this world…” Click to continue reading.  NOTE: Barbara Karnes’ booklet “Gone From My Sight-The Dying Experience” is provided to each hospice patient/family for support and education. 

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO - LIFE KIT: THE RIGHT (AND WRONG) THINGS TO SAY TO A GRIEVING FRIEND

BY: JULIA FURLAN (December 5, 2024)

(21-minute Listen, or read the Transcript)

“When someone you love loses a person they love, it can be hard to know what to say. You want to show your friend you love and support them, but you also know there really isn't much you can say to heal their pain.” Psychologist and grief consultant Mekel Harris and Marisa Renee Lee, author of “Grief is Love,” offer guidance on supporting a grieving friend. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the loss and the sharing of memories of the deceased. These experts share very helpful do’s and don'ts of expressing condolences. Click to listen or read.

FILM: THE ARCHITECTURE OF DEATH-THE INNER WORLD OF DYING

Documentary Film by Director Johanna Lunn

Trailer (3:10 minutes)

The film series “When You Die” has released the third and final film called Architecture of Death: The Inner World of Dying. Leading clinicians and researchers who have spent their careers at the bedside studying the nature of consciousness and personal stories of love and loss, explore these topics with insight and humor. Discussing what happens when we die with curiosity and compassion allows death to become a more accessible part of life. The film series de-mystifies the dying process and reduces fear of death through honest end-of-life conversations. Addressing mortality head-on, the film explores what the final months, weeks, and days of life look like for the person who is dying, and for the people who love them. Watch this compelling trailer. Trailers are also available for the first two films in the series: "In the Realm of Death & Dreaming” and ”Saying Goodbye: Preparing for Death”.

ARTICLE: ARE THERE SOME WORDS THAT DOCTORS SHOULD NEVER USE?

BY: Sophie Putka (MedPage Today, November 2024)

In a Mayo Clinic Proceedings perspective paper, the authors contend that in certain contexts, words such as "need" and "just" may be considered "never-words” because they shut down care conversations. Using such words in conversations with seriously ill patients can discourage dialogue and limit shared decision-making. Instead, alternative phrasing can open dialogue and built trust, and help with considering other care paths or options. Experts suggest asking questions that invite discussion and collaboration, and to use words that center on the patient’s experience and priorities. Read the article.