Supporting the dying family member is always the primary focus.
“Where there is love there is life. “
Mahatma Gandhi
End of Life Family support
You may have arrived here overwhelmed. I know I was.
Years ago, I experienced this first hand. I had no idea what to do when my two parents were going downhill at the same time. I had to uproot my professional life and return home to a complicated situation which for six years presented me with many challenges.
It was eldercare 101, but I came out with a doctorate in death and dying!
Both my parents died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, because I had the end of life palliative resources I needed, and because I was their champion till the end.
I have since shared knowledge and end of life resources with hundreds of families just like you.
To the family of a terminal patient – There are end of life skills that can be learned.
This website will guide you and your loved one through all the important steps when planning for the end of life.
End of Life Family Support
When a family member receives a terminal diagnosis it often comes as much of a shock to us as them, sometimes more.
Here are common questions we ask ourselves.
Here’s what you can do.
The online Dying Your Way End of Life Training will guide you to better understand and assist someone nearing the end of their life.
Here are other options:
The time ahead can be the most valued, memorable and sacred time for the whole family. Being witness to a peaceful passing is possible.
The Dying Your Way website, podcast episodes and End of Life Training have been created to support the dying person and their family.
Terminal patients, with their close family circle, are encouraged to create an informed and individual End of Life Plan that will clearly communicate the dying person’s end of life wishes detailing medical, legal and memorial plans.
This can be an enormous relief to loved ones eliminating the burden and guilt of guessing, during an overwhelming emotional time.
We highly encourage family members to contact us via email: info@dyingyourway.com or book a free 30 minute consultation.
If you are inclined to go it alone, the End of Life Training will teach you death literacy skills and provide the understanding you’ll need to support a good death.
Dying Your Way End of Life Training:
A practical and affordable roadmap to navigate an end of life journey.
Even if your loved one no longer has the capacity to make final decisions for themselves, and no clear plans are in place, there will be invaluable assistance available to you to support a peaceful transition.
We invite you to purchase the Dying Your Way End of Life Training. It is an investment that can transform a fraught and chaotic experience into a courageous, joyful event.
When you join the journey and hold space for your dying family member, you and your family will be woven into a sacred time and sacred space.
It is not for the faint hearted, but without doubt, the time ahead will forever change your life in a meaningful way.
Claire O’Berry
Co-Founder Dying Your Way and
certified End of Life Doula
For more information and to register for the self-paced, online Dying Your Way End of Life Training click here
Frequently Asked Questions
My loved one will not open up to tell me what they want.
This is totally understandable and a common reaction.
At this time you will need to be patient, let them go through their rollercoaster of emotions and help them gently open up after the initial shock has worn off.
The reality is that by being closed down or not sharing what they want leaves them vulnerable to chaotic and disorganized care as well as a burden of guilt on family members..
By helping them face their fears they can take more control and make decisions that are right for them. It will likely take many conversations.
In our training we provide many suggestions to meet people where they are.
We also encourage them to name a Medical Power of Attorney sooner rather than later..
My family member needs more home support.
There are many options available but the first step is to meet with your family member’s doctor to find out the level of care that is needed now and for the future.
In our online training, module Four and Five help you understand predictable transitions and the best living options considering preference, community resources, safety and overall well being.
We all seem in denial and frozen in fear
This is a natural reaction but eventually reality must be acknowledged and action taken for the best outcome for your family member.
The unknown is stressful but in this case “knowledge is power”. Understanding the disease, the likely prognosis and even learning about the process of death, can help everyone to feel empowered. There are many options to consider for this last phase of life. You need to know what to ask for to receive the best quality of life at the end of life.
How can death possibly be good?
In our modern society we are kept away from death. We see death as it is played out on TV or movie screens, gaming devices or sensational news seeking ratings. Few people have witnessed someone take their last breath..
Unfortunately 80% of people die in hospitals and without an Advance Care Plan or named health proxy . This is an invitation for over-medicalized or under-medicalized care. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Death is a part of life and you can have a good death with some early planning and basic knowledge of death literacy. That is why we are so passionate about our training.
A good death means being in control for as long as possible, having quality time with the family and friends, having good palliative care early on and having your end of life wishes followed.
Where do I start? I’m overwhelmed
The best way to start is to talk with someone who has helped many people in your situation.
Our free consultation is with the Co-Founder of Dying Your Way, Claire O’Berry who is a certified End of Life Doula and Advance Care Planning Educator who has experienced many deaths with people from all walks of life, ages, income, ethnicity.
It is a rare opportunity.
In the consultation you can share your stresses and concerns and learn the next best steps for your situation. We guarantee you will feel better after the call.
Please set up a FREE 30 minute consultation (add link) or email us at info@dyingyourway.com.
How can I empower myself to help my dying family member die easier?
We mentioned earlier that “knowledge is power”. It’s the fear of the unknown that causes so much stress.
That is why we highly recommend our End of Life Training course, it will help you understand everything you need to know for your family member from a practical perspective and emotionally.
We believe this training is the greatest gift you can give to them and to yourself. The information will change how you view your own life and death; and you in turn will be able to help those around you for many years.
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