Here to help: FamilyCare’s Molly Stephens and team leader of carer support Jason Watts with GV Hospice executive officer Wendy Ross, FamilyCare care co-ordinator Jill Smith and GV Hospice community engagement Maree Chin.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
If you died suddenly, would your family know how you wanted to be honoured?
Death is a heavy topic, but it is an important part of life that not many of us think to plan for.
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According to the Groundswell Project Australia, 90 per cent of people die without sharing their wishes, 45 per cent of people die without a will, 80 per cent wish to die at home but only 20 per cent actually get to.
Bringing Dying to Know Day to Shepparton was an initiative by the project, and centres around empowering adult Australians to be self-advocates for their own personal planning when it comes to their future.
It encourages adults at all stages of life to take individual action during the month of August.
Keen interest: Group discussion led by Owen Mohan manager and funeral director Jan Durden, office manager and funeral director Stacey O’Toole and funeral director Deborah Mills.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The campaign aims to improve knowledge around choices for adults’ end-of-life and provide helpful guides for having conversations with the people most important to you about your unique choices and wishes for your end-of-life.
On Tuesday, August 8, FamilyCare and GV Hospice partnered to bring Dying to Know Day to Shepparton.
About 45 people gathered at GV Hospice to join in group discussion and ask questions of stallholders such as lawyers and funeral directors.
“It was a really good morning and well attended,” hospice executive officer Wendy Ross said.
“People were really engaged, asking lots of questions and I just think it’s great that people felt comfortable enough to ask those difficult questions.”
Knowledge is power: Manager and funeral director Jan Durden, office manager and funeral director Stacey O’Toole and funeral director Deborah Mills, all of Owen Mohan.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
FamilyCare team leader of carer support Jason Watts said the event was not only for preparing for your death, but preparing your family for your death.
“Dying to Know Day is about encouraging people to have those difficult discussions,” he said.
“We want people to be able to grieve for their loved one and honour them as they wanted, instead of spending their time decision-making.”
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