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Choice at the end of life isn’t abstract—it’s practical, emotional, and shaped by real laws, real timelines, and real families. We sit down with VAD Care Navigator Laurie Draper to walk through how voluntary assisted dying works in Victoria, what the safeguards look like, and why so many people feel a profound sense of calm simply by unlocking the option. From the first assessment to the final permit, Laurie explains the steps and the four‑to‑six week path that leads to pharmacy readiness, all while keeping palliative care in the frame.

The conversation gets candid as we explore common fears—loss of control and dignity trumps pain for most—and the reality that roughly 35% who receive the medication never use it. Family dynamics surface too; what looks like resistance often masks grief as loved ones confront the immediacy of death.

Looking ahead, we unpack proposed Victorian reforms to potentially allow patients to choose their route of administration. Through it all, Laurie's perspective is grounded: people considering VAD aren’t choosing death; they’re already dying and seeking agency over the when and how. If you value honest language, person-centred care, and practical guidance at the end of life, this conversation offers clarity without judgment.

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Have questions about death, dying or the funeral industry? Email [email protected] to have them answered in a future episode.