‘My end of life journal’ published to overcome stigma of dying
A new journal that talks in a positive way about death and dying has been written by Orchard Care Homes.
The provider of senior living in the UK has spoken to residents to get their perspective on end of life and what is important to them, with the aim of giving residents comfort and increase their understanding, to ensure a ‘good death’.
The book, called ‘My end of life journal’, has taken 12 months to create and identifies all aspects of needs, including important people who residents would like to be with, during the end of life phase, carried out respectfully and with empathetic communication.
The journal also includes useful websites, references and helpline numbers, providing the resident and family with as much information as required to promote decision making, which can be carried out over a sustained period if the subject becomes distressing.
“At Orchard Care Homes, we want residents to feel empowered and able to discuss all needs including end of life,” said director of quality and care Cheryl Baird. “This journal can be used to support them to do this, via a series of questions that address the circumstances and that can be included in an advanced care plan. After all, you only get one chance to get it right.”
In the same way as making a will, the journal aims to ensure affairs are in order, but from an emotional, rather than financial, perspective. While it is not always easy to discuss end of life care, especially for families facing tough decisions at a distressing time, loved ones must see out their final days in a manner that they would wish for, and comfort is provided to those around them.
“Some feel it is difficult to talk about death and dying because it scares them, we then start to reflect, and this can stir up all types of emotions, but it is important to talk about end of life as it allows your thoughts feelings and wishes to be upheld by your loved ones or caregivers. Many people have planned their end of life wishes in advance and we encourage our residents to talk to their families about what they want.”
