[ad_1]
Images of sandy beaches, sun-drenched pools and azure skies shine from the window and walls of what appears to be a new travel agent that opens in a London shopping center. But browsers may be surprised by the destination, because it is a journey that each of us will undertake one day: death.
Take a closer look at the posters and you will find that it is "dying" (half of British adults prefer to avoid the word "death", apparently). The Departure Lounge, located in Lewisham, South London, is the initiative of the Academy of Medical Sciences, whose mission is to promote biomedical research and health. It turns out that death is one of the most under-researched areas in the health sector, accounting for less than half of 1% of spending.
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, president of the academy, explains that the idea of the departure hall is to allow visitors to ask all their questions about the process of death and to collect ideas and experiences that could enlighten future research. "The best time to discuss death is probably not, but long before," he said. This is why a shopping center has been considered a suitable place. The hope is that the boarding hall will attract visitors who may not be regular visitors to science museums.
Death has been a subject of Zeitgeist for a few years – witness the phenomenon of the Death Cafe, the proliferation of conferences and books on death and television series like the recent comedy Ricky Gervais Netflix After life. But, says Lechler, the conversation becomes more urgent. In simple terms, there is more to it. "From now until 2014, we will see a 25% increase in the number of deaths per year," he said. And it's more than numbers: the period before death is different. "We are living longer and the context of death is changing. A longer life means that we accumulate longer-term conditions and people tend to be fragile longer, "he said. "The risk is that people will die badly, instead of dying well."
Dr. Katherine Sleeman, a palliative care consultant at the Cicely Saunders Institute at King's College London and a member of the advisory group behind the Departure Lounge, says patients often want to talk about death. "People call it the last taboo, but that's not what I experienced. Health professionals may be afraid to talk about it, but I see that patients are often relieved when it is mentioned. They know they are dying and they want to talk about it. "
She adds that palliative care, far from being spelled out, can also give much better results. "Research shows that, when provided early, palliative care is badociated with fewer hospitalizations, better pain relief, and reduced financial costs for the NHS," he said. she said. "I always say that my goal is not to help you live longer, it's to help you live better."
Yvonne Oakes, a former palliative care nurse who now works as a "midwife for the soul" or a doula at the end of life, will accompany patients and their families. According to his experience, many people have experienced negative experiences of death with loved ones and badume that when their time comes, isolation will inevitably cause pain and discomfort. That, she says, is just not true. "There is indeed a good death. I think it comes mainly from accepting death rather than fighting against it. And she hopes The Departure Lounge will allow people to start thinking about the acceptance of death, "in a non-threatening and non-forced way."
Research on death, says Sleeman, really matters and can make a real difference. "Many people, including doctors and academics, say: what's the use of research if it does not prolong life? But that's not the goal. Quality is crucial: research clearly shows that most people would choose a quality of life rather than their life span. "
The Departure Lounge is supported by the Health Foundation and the Wellcome Trust; more information on departure-lounge.org
The best tips to die well
Remember it's your death: it's good to think about what you really want and do not want, and be clear about it.
Do not be afraid to ask for help and to accept help if it is offered and if you wish. You do not have to fight alone.
Make amends for past injuries and disappointments. Some people write letters – you do not have to post them.
Consider making a death plan, which is the end-of-life equivalent of a birth plan. Where would you like to die? Who do you want with you – and who do not you want? Do you want the music to play? Do you want to avoid attempts at resuscitation?
Know that death involves loss, so there will inevitably be emotional pain for both you and those you love. But that does not mean you can not look for the joys of life, even if your health deteriorates. Life can have meaning and pleasure until the end.
Yvonne Oakes
Source link
