In the news
“As soon as people hear the words ‘palliative care’ they think the end is near. They see it as a negative thing, but I see it as a positive as it’s enhanced my quality of life. It makes your life so much easier during an incredibly stressful time.”
See ARTA's autumn 2023 edition of News & Views for a shortened version of our article originally published in the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta’s LawNow magazine in April 2023. (See archive link at the bottom of the page.)
This article is a reprint in eHospice of the Covenant news story by the same title from May 11, 2023.
Embracing Palliative Care | Mill Woods Mosaic, May 15, 2023
This article is a reprint in the Mill Woods Mosaic of the Covenant news story by the same title from May 11, 2023.
Planning for things no one wants to talk about | LawNow Magazine, April 14, 2023
"April 16 is National Advance Care Planning Day, a day where Canadians are encouraged to engage in conversation with a trusted individual about their end-of-life preferences and to plan for future care by completing a personal directive, a will, and a power of attorney."
Talking about death | Mill Woods Mosaic, May 15, 2022
This article is a reprint in the Mill Woods Mosaic of the Covenant news story by the same title from May 2, 2022.
Compassionate Communities Forum | Global News, March 19, 2022
"Compassionate Cities is an opportunity to supplement or support the care that is provided. The care is not helpful unless we know what it is, where it's available and how to access it, and the roles of individuals and organizations to help family members and patients find their way through the system."
“Most Albertans are referred to palliative care in the last six weeks of life, which is far too late. Research shows that an early introduction to palliative care and having those discussions with your health-care providers greatly improves the quality of life.”
“We want to promote advance care planning throughout our lives so that we don't just hear about it when we’re sick, but starting as healthy young adults and throughout all those different life milestones such as buying a home, having children and retiring.”
Other media
Rita Scagnetti of Thornhill, ON talks about the awkwardness - and importance - of having an end-of-life planning-related conversation with her adult children and the process behind her own planning.
Queering the Good Death | Yes! Magazine, November 21, 2022
When it comes to protecting chosen family, LGBTQ couples face unique struggles.
We need to talk about how we talk about death | CBC Radio, November 6, 2022
Producer Kevin Ball has long been fascinated by the way we talk about death, as if it were a battle or a duel the person lost. Kevin reflects on if there's another way to talk about a person's passing.
Death Can Strike Unexpectedly: How to Prepare for the Worst (Psychology Today, August 12, 2022)
Family members often have to make difficult decisions at the end of a person's life. Advance care planning can help families navigate end-of-life decision making.
Can telehealth be used for effective palliative care? | Pursuit, July 27, 2022
A recent Australian study examined the use of telehealth services for palliative care during COVID-19. The results were varied, showing great benefits in certain respects but also limitations.
Global Palliative Care Advances Over Two Decades | Physician's Weekly, July 21, 2022
Tremendous progress has been made worldwide in normalizing palliative care over the past two decades, according to a recent peer-reviewed paper.
Death literacy: why it’s important to talk about dying | The Conversation, June 29, 2022
Being able to talk about death, dying and loss is important because it directly shapes the decisions we make about the care we receive as well as our ability to care for others.
By Nathan Gray, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and comic artist, this comic strip highlights the importance of ongoing, open conversation between family members around end-of-life planning.