It’s a topic that some people find hard to talk about.
End of life planning can involve anything from funeral arrangements to a health care plan, but as it was expressed at the Death Cafe, hosted by MidCoast Council, that these plans need to be talked about.
Members of the Gloucester community attended the free session on Thursday, August 9 at the CWA rooms, where they heard stories about what can happen when things aren’t planned.
Each attendee was given an information packet with covered a ranges of topics, however most of the session was spent causally asking questions and discussing options available to people.
There was talk about having a ‘soul box’ of things that are important to you, that you would like to be remembered by. It could contain items like your favourite photos, music and plans for your funeral.
The different ways people can be laid to rest was also discussed including traditional methods, biodegradable coffins, natural burials and cremation.
Overall the message was to make a plan and ensure your loved ones know what you want. By having the discussion or writing down what’s important to you, the pressure is taken off your loved ones of having to make decisions at such an emotional time. Almost everything can be pre-arranged and even pre-paid.
But it wasn’t just about funeral planning, there was talk about planning health decisions and how these are made when you are no longer able to make them yourself.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
