Attitudes, Experiences and Death Systems

One of the things about being able to support each other in tough times is knowing how to show up. I hear a common thread from people over and over again. Asking for, offering, and accepting help can be our biggest hurdle.

Our experiences of illness, death, caregiving and grief shape our attitudes, our attitudes shape our experiences which in turn dictates our death system (a death system is a way to organise and make sense of our culture and responses to death, dying & bereavement.

Each one influences the other.

For example World Health Organisation (WHO) definition of palliative care influences our government policy of palliative care strategy, influences specialisation, professionalisation, medicalisation of palliative care, influences funding, influences hospital, hospice, community and aged care provision, influences access, influences individual & community experience and attitudes.

I'm sure you get the picture (more information on Kastenbaum’s Death System can be found here).

NZ Palliative Care strategy is currently under review. Early working group updates are indicating a shift back to community and a public health approach to palliative care, but are we removing the scaffolding too soon without having prepared and educated the workforce or the general population in how to build, support and maintain compassionate communities?

You might be interested in this upcoming workshop, specially catered to us here in NZ & Australia timezones. It's all about cultivating the doula heart and learning how to show up for our families, friends and communities at end of life.

Already completed a doula training? Lovely! This offering will deepen your skillset and confidence.

Haven’t taken a doula training? That’s totally fine! This is a great learning opportunity for anyone planning to offer emotional support within their community.

Learn more here: https://francescalynnarnoldy.com/cultivating-the-doula-heart-workshop/