March 04, 2025

The Good Death Seminar Series #6 - How to Ensure the BEST End-of-life Experience for Yourself and the 9 Essential Questions You NEED to Answer

1 hour 6 minutes

What does it take to ensure a "good death"?

Join us as we explore this profound question with our esteemed guest, Susanna Bryan, a transformative figure in end-of-life care. Drawing from her rich experiences as a former hospice and oncology nurse, and founder of the Doula Givers Institute, Susanna offers enlightening insights into making the end-of-life experience more human-centered. Inspired by her volunteer work in Zimbabwe, she advocates for changes in the American system to focus on clarity, comfort, and dignity, and shares the nine essential questions that guide this process. Her journey underscores the importance of presence and a supportive community for those nearing life's end and provides a roadmap to align end-of-life experiences with personal values.

This episode delves into the delicate task of discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones, focusing on maintaining quality of life and ensuring wishes are respected. We recount the heartfelt story of Mary, who faced terminal cancer with grace and celebrated her life through a living funeral. Mary's journey is a testament to the power of prioritizing personal comfort and symptom management over medical interventions. We also explore the role of palliative care in enhancing quality of life, encouraging listeners to consider practical, physical, and emotional preparations for future decisions.

Listeners are invited to consider their own end-of-life care preferences, from choosing a healthcare proxy to exploring environmentally friendly body disposition options. We highlight the significance of legal documents like the POLST form in ensuring wishes are followed and emphasize the value of clear communication with family. As we explore alternative end-of-life celebrations, such as body donation and living funerals, we encourage embracing personal choice to honor life and death. By empowering you with knowledge and confidence, this episode aims to make end-of-life planning a meaningful and sacred gift for both you and your loved ones.

The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!

Mark your calendars!

On March 22nd, I’m hosting a private virtual event to celebrate "THE GOOD DEATH," and I want YOU to join me.

Pre-order the book today, and you’ll get exclusive access to a full day of training, conversation about what makes life an AMAZING journey. I will share my 5 pillar framework that I use every day, to create a life of fulfillment, joy and service- and you can too!

I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Grab your ticket here!

We dive into:

(00:00) - Good Death Seminar Series

(10:00) - End-of-Life Care and Planning Discussion"

(20:11) - Quality of Life and Care Planning

(25:48) - Personalized End-of-Life Care Preferences

(36:23) - End-of-Life Care Planning Choices

(46:52) - Home Funeral and Disposition Options

(52:32) - Body Donation and End-of-Life Celebrations

(59:50) - Ensuring Legal Medical Preferences

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Links mentioned in this episode:

Doulagivers Institute

The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK

Buy The Good Death Book

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

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By Suzanne B. O’Brien RN

4.6

8181 ratings