Kupu Care, a community-based palliative care program offered in East Hawaii by Hospice of Hilo, is inviting the public to a free community talk titled “I Don’t Want to be a Burden to My Loved Ones” from 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday at the organization’s community building, 1011 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo.
Kupu Care, a community-based palliative care program offered in East Hawaii by Hospice of Hilo, is inviting the public to a free community talk titled “I Don’t Want to be a Burden to My Loved Ones” from 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday at the organization’s community building, 1011 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo.
People living with chronic, serious or terminal illness want to live a quality life. Sadly, many with suffer poorly controlled pain or other physical miseries and endure their final days feeling undignified and a burden to others.
“Finding a path with the best chance of maintaining a life that is considered ‘worthwhile’ is important,” said Dr. Atul Gawande, author of the book, “Being Mortal.” “What each person considers ‘worthwhile’ is different, but with over 80 percent of Americans reporting that they wish to die in the peace and comfort of their home, it is clear that people need to be educated about their choices to ensure they understand what a medicalized death means, and what are their alternatives.”
“End of life education is needed more than ever, but is rarely discussed openly,” said presenter Lani Weigert of Kupu Care.
Thursday’s presentation will share with attendees practical concepts of adapting and understanding what it could look like to live with a chronic or serious illness, and preparing for the physical and emotional changes that occur when a person goes from walking to bed-bound.
“It’s about learning how things could be better — much better — through awareness and preparation for ourselves, the people we love, and the community we live in,” Weigert said. “This presentation is about making the best of what is often the very worst time of life. Knowing that a quality life can have a quality ending — all we need is a little end of life education to make the right choices.”
Those interested in attending the talk are asked to RSVP no later than Tuesday by contacting Weigert at 934-2913 or visiting www.kupucare.org (events).