End-of-Life Seminar

<p>Despite the fact that we must all experience dying, we seldom talk about what that may mean for us or look like for our loved ones. At the End-of-Life Seminar, we will consider common challenges we face as we near our final years and days, with four engaging sessions hosted by local experts. <br /> There are few quicker ways to make a conversation awkward than to bring up the topic of death. Even though we must all experience dying, we seldom talk about what that may mean for us or look like for our loved ones. <br /> To help people get more comfortable thinking and talking about this essential part of life, Kelowna Unitarians is hosting its first-ever End-of-Life Seminar on Saturday, March 2nd. Attendees will consider the common challenges we face as we near our final years and days, with four engaging sessions hosted by local experts. <br /> “There’s a real need for these conversations and demystifying some of the more complex aspects of our twilight years. Some people are eager to have these discussions, and others may feel nervous. Still, we invite everyone to participate in a way that makes them feel comfortable,” says Kelowna Unitarians Minister Rev. Brian Kiely. <br /> Sessions include: <br /> Live Until You Die, Presented by Rev. Brian KielyBy age 65, the likelihood of ‘dropping dead’ diminishes. Most enjoy years of fair health until some medical event starts a steep decline that can last a long time. Not many plan for that drastic change. Let’s talk about it. <br /> Representation Agreements and Power of Attorney, Presented by Paul Hergott <br /> Power of Attorney – what is it, and what is its value? Paul will explain. He will also outline choices you can make in advance about your end-of-life medical care and how a substitute decision-maker can be appointed through a Representation Agreement. <br /> How to Talk About Difficult Things, Presented by Clair Jantzen <br /> This session will explore some of the reasons why crucial conversations don’t happen (around death, for example) and what we can do to facilitate them. Understanding the difference between a difficult topic and one’s own challenges with delivery can promote communication at a more meaningful level. <br /> MAiD Today, Presented by Rev. Brian Kiely <br /> Medical Assistance in Dying was legalized in 2016. What is its status today? What are the requirements? What is contemplated for the future? And what other kinds of choices are available? <br /> “We want this seminar to kick off an ongoing series about death and dying,” says Valaura Jones, Community Development Manager with Kelowna Unitarians. “Ongoing sessions will be created to help people at all ages and life stages. As a 36-year-old, I know how many questions I have about everything from wills and life insurance to what I need to know when a loved one dies.” <br /> Jones describes Kelowna Unitarians as a “philosophical, intellectual and spiritual community” and says that attendees can expect data-informed presentations in a comfortable and welcoming environment. <br /> The End-of-Life Seminar runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd at Kelowna Unitarians (1310 Bertram Street). Tickets are $20 and are available online or by phoning 250-763-7212. For more information on the seminar or Kelowna Unitarians, visit kelownaunitarians.ca. </p>