Sydney reader Sue Reid has written a testimonial of A Good Death, available through Murdoch Books. This book has been of great use to my family as we reorganised mum (aged 90 years) and dad’s (aged 91 years) affairs over the past year. Their will was over 10 years old … Read more
I like strange as a word. It is non-judgmental, it says this is different, unfamiliar, something new to be navigated. However, we need to put a few things on the table: actively putting strategies in place to retain the rights and manage the needs of the dying, the suffering and … Read more
In the Radio ABC Sydney studio this morning to chat with the lovely Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck. We shared insights about a good death ahead of the three events being organised by Bayside Council and facilitated by Home Instead. To listen to the interview, go to the following link … Read more
We had a great discussion about the things you need to do to be well- organised in the event of your demise, at the North Sydney Rotary lunchtime meeting, from 1pm March 5, 2020. The organisers said we had a ‘full house’ with every member attending. The following list might … Read more
One of the topics people most want to talk about is wills, when we get together to chat at talks on the subject of preparing for a good death. It’s best to get individual advice from a lawyer, who can drill down into your very particular circumstances. But here are … Read more
So is your joint account “both to sign” or “anyone to sign”? It could make a big difference to how you access that joint account when your partner dies.
At the Waverton Hub: “I’ve been told that if I have a joint bank account and my partner dies, the account will be frozen and I won’t be able to access my own funds. Is this true?”
“Planning for a good death is really part of living a healthy, active old age,” says Helen L’Orange.
‘Come and listen to Margaret at our next Waverton Hub Speakers’ Presentation: 2pm at the Waverton Uniting church hall, 75 Bay Rd Waverton Tuesday 4 February. No need to book – free entry – all invited.’
I’ve attached a great article from the Canadian newspaper, Edmonton Journal, which shows the growing acceptance of shrouds with no coffin burials, even among traditionalists. It says the Anglican church in Alberta is recognising the environmental concerns of its congregation, something that is catching on everywhere. My cover photo, which … Read more
The subject of painful death came up during a recent discussion about the palliative care needs of the elderly. “It’s probably more accurate to describe the discomforts of death, rather than pain at death, since for most people it is uncomfortable rather than painful,” a palliative care nurse explained. That’s … Read more
I’m going to show you contrasting end of life sick beds. I’m hoping these images will help you think about your end-of-life moment more realistically. The painting Death in the Sickroom, by Edvard Munch has the level of gravitas many of us imagine at our deathbeds. Everyone is very passive, … Read more
Updated 4 March, 2022. We’ve just had a wonderful chat with the team from ELDAC about end of life planning. They’ve asked us to remind readers to sign up to their ELDAC newsletter, which we urge you to do – (as long as you sign up to our Good Grief! … Read more
Sutherland Library’s meeting room was filled to capacity with about 100 people on August 8, 2019, and the Death Cafe organised by Home Instead’s Karen Buckley was fully subscribed within days of being advertised. Karen and her team had worked tirelessly to show people the importance of being well prepared. … Read more
Dr Michael Barbato recently made a big claim: “There is no such thing as unconsciousness.” He said this when I interviewed him for North Sydney Community Centre’s Conversations about Death and Dying. “Can you share with us, what the latest wisdom is, about the experience of the unconscious when somebody … Read more
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