till death do us part
The amazing Rebekah Lambert interviewed me. Jenny Bricoe-Hough and April Creed for her feature article in the Spring edition of the Coal Coast Magazine. Here is just a snapshot of our discussion:
“ As an end of life doula, Belinda Brooks works in service with individuals and their families navigating death Belinda Brooks works in service with individuals and their families to plan for and recover from loss through on—the—ground support and advocacy. She acts as someone who listens, plans alongside and generally creates space for individuals and their families navigating death, before, during and after the event. Belinda sees her role as one that deals with the nuance in life and death by empowering through practical support and information. Working with individuals and their families to plan and make decisions is central to Belinda’s role.
“When we're in crisis, it makes it very difficult to be able to create new frameworks that are going to allow for decision-making and resource finding. You're already under large amounts of physical and emotional distress. By looking for this information early and beginning with the very basic understanding that there are different ways to do things that have been traditionally considered, it allows people to make more complex decisions with more confidence," explains Belinda.
Belinda Brooks helps people to navigate their choices during a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis.
She has also been on hand as a support when unexpected or traumatic deaths have rocked lllawarra families. Having an ally who understands death intimately with existing networks while being able to hold unconditional positive regard for a family in crisis grounds people at a time when emotions run high.
Families can be wonderful, quirky, unique and can carry a diversity in opinion that creates for a tricky mix. But bringing people together to discuss your wishes doesn't have to be complicated.
One of the most effective ways to begin your own conversation about end of life choices is to start at the dinner table. Invite the people you care about to talk. This simple act of starting the conversation can help your loved ones feel their most included, useful and connected when the time comes.
“No matter what we bring to the table, it's the people who we share the table with that know what's right for them. By having your input on key decisions, you relieve some of the pressure. That is one of the biggest gifts people can offer to their loved one," added Belinda.”
To see the full article, click below: