Calgary Death Cafe September 29th Almost Full

( This is a re-post of a recent article about Personal Directives.)

 “What would happen if you had a sudden illness or injury and could not make your own decisions? How would your family, friends or health care team know your wishes? Who would speak for you?

If you are unable to make medical decisions, someone else will do it. It would be best if they could make those decisions based on what you would have wanted.”

(www.calglaryhealthregion.ca, 2011)

 Thought-provoking discussion at the June 9 Death Cafe.

Such is the rationale for developing an Advance Care Plan; to ensure that in the event of being unable or incapable to speak for yourself, you will receive the medical care you would actually choose for yourself. 

But, do you need an Advance Care Plan? 

Well, the publicized medical and legal battle of Terry Schiavo during the 1990’s and early 2000’s, is a good example why we should all consider having an Advance Care Plan, regardless of our age or current state of health. 

A cardiac arrest at 26 years of age resulted in severe brain damage which led to a 15 year vegetative state and feeding tube for Terry. With no legal document to guide medical decisions, her husband and parents battled each other for more than a decade before the courts finally decided in her husband's favour; the feeding tube was removed and Terry died a few months later. 

The Terry Schiavo case prompted a highly emotional public response which inspired a movement, primarily of baby boomers, to address the issues raised by Terry’s situation. One result was the attention to Advance Care Planning. This is the process by which people may: 

• Begin to consider the things that matter to them when making choices about future health care.

•  Learn about medical care options relevant to their future needs.

•   Choose the individual who will speak on their behalf when they are unable to do so.

•    Tell their advocate and loved ones, about their wishes and what is important to them.

•    Document their wishes so their loved ones know their wishes.

                                                    ( www.calgaryhealthregion.ca 2011)

Now, back to Personal Directives.

Personal Directives may be included as part of an Advance Care Plan. They are the guidelines that loved ones will use when death could be imminent. 

For example, a Personal Directive may indicate whether you want to refuse treatment depending on a particular situation. You may decide that you don't want further treatment if you have a certain degree of brain damage. Or you may state that you want aggressive life-saving treatment regardless of your medical condition. 

It's all about you. It's your Personal Directive.

Most adults have not completed any advance care planning, including a Personal Directive. I haven't.

That's why I'm excited that the September Death Cafe includes a workshop for writing your own Personal Directive. We'll start with a regular style Death Cafe, complete with conversation and cake, take a short break, and then spend the last hour in the Personal Directive Workshop.

If you would like to join in, here's what you need to know.

Date: Sunday, September 29th

Time: 2 - 5 PM

Location: The Sage Center ( *Hospice Calgary) 1245 70 Ave. SE

No charge (donations accepted to cover costs of refreshments and printing)

* Although Hospice Calgary generously donates their facility for Death Cafes, the cafes are not Hospice Calgary sponsored events. 

Due to the special workshop, this particular Death Cafe will have limited space. To register your spot, go today to yycdeathcafe@gmail.com. A return email from me confirms your registration. As of Sept 17th, there are only a few spots remaining.

So, DO you need a Personal Directive? If you think it would be a good idea, why not take this opportunity to participate in both the thought-provoking death and dying discussion at a Death Cafe, and the workshop for your own Personal Directive?

Warmly

Wendy

Labour Day in Canada - Honouring my Dad

John Kurchak - my Dad

Labour Day.

My Dad, John Kurchak, walked in the Toronto Labour Day Parade for as many years as he was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union - over 50 years. In his youth, he was a union organizer at cost to him when he was assaulted and then fired. To save the food at home for his widowed mom, Dad stood in a soup kitchen line for lunch until he got another job. Later, he become a Business Rep for his union local, and then worked for the Ontario Federation of Labour. Dad ended his career as a provincial mediator, appointed by Premier Peterson.

Dad was a union man, through and through.

The Ontario Nurses Association formed in 1973, just two years before I began my nursing career. Because of the union, I earned $10, 000 a year instead of 7,000, and had to have at least one day off every 10 days.As a teacher, the Alberta Teachers' Association ensured that my work environment allowed me to do my absolute best for my students.

Over my life, I have seen the rights, lifestyles and dignity of workers protected by the sacrifices and efforts of my Dad, and other labour minded men and women.

I am grateful, and honoured to be my Dad's daughter.

Labour Day - it's a day of recognition and gratitude.

Thank you.

Wendy