A number of events took place in Angus to mark Dying Matters Awareness week, which ran from 18 - 24 May. The Angus Death Cafe was made very welcome at the Old Bean Coffee House in Arbroath.
The group was of great interest to customers coming in for their morning coffee, with some of the regulars joining in the discussion. Huge thanks to the staff for making the group so welcome, and to the owner Gary Boyd.
Staff at Forfar Library organised a display of information and resources relating to death, dying and bereavement. Library staff reported that the display had been of interest to library users, and several members of the public took home leaflets and contributed to the Before I Die wall.
Here at Kilbryde Hospice in East Kilbride, despite being in our infancy, we have been engaging with patients, carers, staff and volunteers to tell us their hopes and dreams before they die. We discussed the topic over the last week (18/5/15 – 22/5/15) alongside staff from NHS Lanarkshire who were encouraging patients and carers to consider completing an anticipatory care plan. Completion of this document allows patients and carers to have their concerns and goals recorded and for health care professionals to understand their wishes for their illness and their end of life.
Our “Before I die I want to” blackboard raised some thought provoking conversations and a few raised eyebrows but on the whole allowed us to consider the future. The diversity of comments was refreshing and humbling all in one. One patient mentioned that he hadn’t thought about his aspirations for the future despite having a life limiting illness diagnosed but he would consider it now. We patiently await his thoughts…
See below for a selection of our thoughts and aspirations.
Before I die, I want to…
Go to France
Sing live with a big band orchestra
Visit Ireland as it is one place I haven’t seen
See Central Park and have a picnic
Bring back the horse – DONE!
Visit the Grand Canyon
See Kilbryde Hospice open with in-patients
See my three grandchildren grow up and do well in life
Meet Terry Waite
See a cure for Parkinson’s
Go snorkelling/scuba diving
Whale watching in Iceland
Visit New Orleans and dance until the sun comes up
See the work and make lots of memories with my family
Stroke a giraffe
Learn something new each day
Live life to the full
Be happy and be a great Mum to my children
See the Northern Lights
Meet Billy Connolly
Be happy
Margaret Mary Cowan, Clinical Services Manager, Kilbryde Hospice
The “Start the Conversation” campaign has been launched across Argyll and Bute to raise awareness of the importance of having a Power of Attorney granted to a trusted relative or friend.
This campaign is a partnership between NHS Highland, Argyll and Bute Council, and the Third Sector Partnership.
Throughout December 2014, a TV advert will be shown at peak times on STV encouraging Argyll and Bute residents to talk to trusted family and friends about establishing a Power of Attorney. This will be followed by a series of community based events and talks in early 2015. Leaflets about power of attorney will be available shortly.
Christina West, Interim Director of Operations – Argyll and Bute CHP, said:
“People are often unaware of the importance of Power of Attorney until they become ill. The important message of this campaign is that we all need to think ahead and make plans, regardless of age.
"It is important for people to discuss their wishes about the type of care they would like if they become ill and unable to make their own decisions. Without a Power of Attorney family members, including spouses, can not make decisions around care or pay bills for their loved ones.
"Applying for a power of attorney when someone is ill often takes months and can be costly. By taking early action, people will be prepared for their future.”
The campaign has a dedicated website which provides valuable help and information, including a specific page dedicated to Argyll and Bute.
You can also follow the campaign on Twitter: @StartTalkingPoA and Facebook: starttalkingpoa
For further information on the campaign please contact: John Dreghorn, Programme Director (Mental Health) on 01546 604905.
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