Holidays are a wonderful time to get away from our normal activities, but have you ever considered your holiday travels as a time to educate your family on death and dying? Every year, I’m drawn back to the town where my family migrated from Norway via the US. It’s name is Cereal – a tiny… [More…]
Advance Care Planning “Speak Up Workbook” is now interactive!
You’re now able to make your advance care plan online at www.myspeakupplan.ca. and get a PDF version of your plan sent to you; this makes it even easier to create and share your plan with your loved ones. Check it out today.
CHPCA – Policy Alert – UPDATE II Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Bill C-14, called An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (or Medical Assistance in Dying) was passed by parliament on Friday June 17, 2016 and has received Royal Assent. To view the CHPCA’s previous Policy Alerts and resources on MAID: MAID Policy Alert from April 15 2016… [More…]
Holding it Together during the Holidays
Outside the window, I hear the carolers wandering closer to our front porch; their familiar song evokes precious memories of childhood holidays. However, it’s another Christmas without my Dad, and this year, I’m feeling more stressed about it. Quite frankly, I’m wondering if I’ll be holding it together during the holidays. It’s common for the bereaved to struggle… [More…]
How to Access Hospice Palliative Care in Alberta
The decision to enter hospice palliative care may be a difficult step for a patient and their family. However, there are a number of supports and services that are available for Albertans at each point of their journey. For example, in Alberta, you often have a choice where you would like to receive end of… [More…]
How to Access Hospice Palliative Care in Alberta
You’ve been living with a terminal illness and your care team has said that the focus of treatment is changing from curative to comfort care; this may be the time to consider where and how you want to spend the last weeks and months of your life. If you wish to remain at home, you… [More…]
Support = A Dish of Kindness
A comforting casserole of mac and cheese; a fresh loaf of bread with a pot of hearty soup; Grandma’s traditional coffee cake sweetened with honey – these are some of the foods we take to our family, friends, and neighbours during the life challenges that we all experience, such as the journey of hospice palliative care and grief. But… [More…]
Talking to Kids about Death
Talking to children about death and dying can be a daunting task for many reasons; for instance, a child’s understanding of death and dying depends on their age and stage of development. However, if a child is asking a question, they are ready to hear an honest answer. A caring adult can help a young child understand… [More…]
