Presented by: Dr Aditi Sethi

Death and Dying in the 21st century is a paradox. The Lancet, one of the world’s oldest and most prominent medical journals, recently published a 40-page commission paper which looks at death, dying and grief globally. Communities are challenged to think creatively to support rebalancing death, dying and grief. Join as we learn of various community-supported models around the world, specifically, the Omega Home Model, a US-based model that is designed for and focused on non-medical care at the end-of-life. Funded by the community and family support and staffed by volunteers, it works with the patient’s hospice (medical) care team to provide support for “residents” who are on their final life journeys.

With increasing pressure on the healthcare eco-system as the Singapore population continues to age (1 in 4 Singapore citizens will soon be over the age of 65), it would be worthwhile to explore a new community model where the local community can come together as a village to provide support for those on life’s final journey, in a way that reflects the spirit of the people and the culture of the local community.

AH Staff ILTC sector

Presented by:

Juliet Ng, Head, Communications & Community Engagement, Assisi Hospice

Lee Tien Sin, Volunteer Manager, Assisi Hospice

The No One Dies Alone (NODA) programme in Assisi Hospice was started in 2014 to provide companionship to dying patients who have neither family nor close friends to accompany them in their final hours, so that they do not die alone. Over the years, with an increasing number of lonely patients brought about by Singapore’s shrinking family structure, there is an urgent need for the community to learn how we can come together to support these people on their final journeys. The Assisi Volunteer Management Team will share practical knowledge of how to develop, implement and sustain a NODA volunteer programme so that the community may gain insights on how a similar programme may be implemented within their own organisations.

ILTC sector

Presented by:

Sandra Lim, Lead Medical Social Worker, Assisi Hospice

Joyce Cheah, Clinical Pastoral Care Manager, Assisi Hospice

What does one’s religion teach us about sickness and dying and how does it influence patients’ views and decision-making? In this community lecture, our Psychosocial Support Services and Clinical Pastoral Care team will share how different cultures impact patients’ and caregivers’ practices and decision-making processes, and provide insights to the variety of last rites, funeral and burial practices across different religions.

AH Staff & Volunteers ILTC sector

Presented by: Dr Aditi Sethi

In this workshop, Dr Aditi Sethi will be bringing participants on a personal exploration of their relationship to death. Participants will learn how individual views and apprehensions about death impact the the care provided to patients. They will learn skills on how to cultivate a presence with death to be with those approaching their final passage, and learn techniques on how to work with individuals and families who are approaching their final breath.

AH Staff & Volunteers ILTC sector

Presented by: Dr Aditi Sethi

A 1-day workshop led by Dr Aditi Sethi who has experience as both a hospice physician and an end-of-life doula in the US. Combining her experience in supporting those dying with not only medical skills but also with holistic non-medical support, she will share practices for volunteers in areas of vigiling, honouring patients’ legacy through meaningful rituals, objects, images, story-telling and song to support the dying process.

Participants will be invited to the private screening of the documentary “The Last Ecstatic Days”, which chronicles Dr Aditi’s journey with her patient Ethan and the support that was provided to make his final journey meaningful to him and his loved ones.

AH Staff & Volunteers ILTC sector

Presented by: Bereavement Care Team, Assisi Hospice

The loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience and grieving an impending loss may be stressful and heartbreaking. The Assisi Bereavement Care Team will share their insights on setting up a grief & bereavement service within an organisation to support caregivers and volunteers experiencing grief and bereavement.

Participants will learn a variety of techniques to journey with those struggling with grief and loss and gain insights on how bereavement support in Palliative Care can provide a safe space for bereaved persons to express their grief, thoughts and emotions, and also help them gain new perspectives and make meaning, besides learning new skills and accessing inner resources to live a life after loss.

AH Staff & Volunteers ILTC sector

Presented by: Dr Aditi Sethi

No two persons experience grief and bereavement in the same way. In this community sharing, Dr Aditi will guide us through the process of grief, imparting skills and knowledge on how the community can support individuals experiencing grief and bereavement.

For caregivers who are experiencing challenging end-of-life journeys, Dr Aditi will also offer insights on how they can remain “present” with their loved ones even if it is not a “good” death.

AH Staff & Volunteers ILTC sector