Bowen Islanders have embraced with gratitude the services, expertise and compassion of the Caring Circle, particularly that offered by Program Director Colleen O’Neil.
As an experienced Registered Nurse and long-time member of the Bowen community, Colleen quite literally has her finger on the pulse of the island.
And Colleen reports that many of the most touching conversations she has focus on end of life matters.
What happens if I have to go to Emergency? Will my wishes be respected? Who makes life and death decisions if my family isn’t around? How do I get palliative care for my loved one on Bowen? What’s available? How can we manage symptoms and control pain? When someone dies on Bowen, what happens? What is possible for the treatment of my loved one’s body? What resources are available for our family for grief support?
To address these and many other questions, we have created a one day event on Dec. 3, 2016 called End of Life Matters.
This learning offering is specifically for Bowen Islanders interested in the medical, social, emotional and spiritual perspectives of dying and death on Bowen. Speakers, all of whom live on Bowen Island include:
Dr. David Evans, an emergency surgeon, will describe what happens in an emergency situation, in terms of Advanced Care wishes. Bowen nurse Jane Henley will talk about both home and hospice palliative care programs and the specifics of the North Shore program criteria. Dr. Leah Cline will talk about palliative symptom control and pain management on-island. Rebecca van der Giessen will share her personal experience around the preparation of a body after death, and Mary Coleman and Mary Ellen deGrace will talk about the support available in our community both for those who know they are dying and for those who grieve.
We will also be honoured by a short musical contribution from the Threshold Choir, who are trained and available on Bowen, to visit the bedside or home of the dying.
After each speaker, there will be time for some questions, and at the end of the conference, we will spend some time to discern what else our Bowen community might like on the topic of End of Life Matters.
This will be a full day symposium including a light lunch, and will be held in the Bowen Island Lodge. There is more information on the Caring Circle website (caringcircle.ca).
The full conference will be offered for a suggested $10 donation at the door to offset our costs.
To register, please contact the Caring Circle at 604 947-9100 or info@caringcircle.ca. by Friday November 25th.
Thank You!!
