Forums: Facing Mortality
This three-part series looks at the end of life as part of life.
As human beings, we all have to come to terms with our mortality. It may be inevitable and unpredictable, but there are things you and those you love can do to prepare. And there are lots of resources available to help you through it.
Sunday, November 3: Facing Mortality--Spiritual Perspectives
The Rev'd Jim Quigley puts death and dying in a spiritual context, while also sharing the resources St. Alban's has available for individuals and families. (Please note: The quality of this forum's recording is poor due to technical issues.)
Sunday, November 10: Facing Mortality--Resources for Living
Parishioner Sally Craig walks us through what we all should do now to prepare, including advance care planning based on our own values.
Advance Care Planning video from National Hospice.
Values worksheet (questions to consider as you made decisions about health care preferences)
POLST resources (medical order for life sustaining treatment, by state)
CaringInfo (free resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care)
Sunday, November 17: Facing Mortality--Personal Experience
Parishioners Jo Turner and Jan Grogan, who have dealt with terminal illness and death, share their experiences and lessons learned with moderator Carol Aschenbrener.
Resources:
How to talk to doctors
Talking now about later
Books and other resources
TEDMED talk on palliative care by Steven Pantilat, author of Life After the Diagnosis: Expert Advice on Living Well with Serious Illness for Patients and their Caregivers