No additional detail for this event.

People who are close to death sometimes report visions of deceased relatives, friends, places, or religious figures. Others report “deathbed coincidences” or unique and meaningful dreams. We call these deathbed phenomena (DBP), and they are more common than we think. 

Are these hallucinations? Did the experience really happen or is it due to random nerves firing in a dying brain? Has anyone done any serious studies? 

Dying people can have these experiences while awake or asleep, alone or with others, and the experience can be visual or auditory. Deathbed phenomena have been reported around the world and are now being studied in the medical literature. What is interesting is that these experiences almost always have a positive effect, bringing peace, comfort, calmness and joy to the dying person as well as their family. 

How can we support dying patients and their families who experience deathbed phenomena? How do you discuss this experience with a dying person and their family? I’ll answer these questions and look at these phenomena in more detail. I’ll also share some stories from local Calgary palliative care clinicians. Most importantly, we’ll explore the meaning of deathbed phenomena to those who experience them.

Join me for this 30 minute gently guided time where you can freely express your thoughts and your grief and hopes with others who have experienced the death of a loved one in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

This two-hour seminar is provided by Laurel Wilson, Palliative Health Care Aide and Alison Potter, R.N.

Learn what resources are available in Calgary for those diagnosed with a palliative illness and for those who are grieving their loved ones.

During these two hours learn the practicalities of caring for your loved one as their condition changes. Get hands-on experience with managing mouth care, emptying catheter bags, turning a patient in bed, advice on keeping track of appointments, medications, managing support from family and friends.

This 2 hour seminar is a resource based seminar rich with anecdotal stories. You will learn what resources are available in Calgary for those diagnosed with a palliative illness, those who are journeying with them and resources for support after the death of a loved one. This knowledge can be used for yourself or for a loved one or friend; now or in the future.

You will receive an emailed resource list with resources available in Calgary, Alberta and an updated list will be sent to you twice a year.

Stories from the bedside will be interspersed with “Top Ten” lists related to communication for friends and family during and after the illness and death of a loved one. Resources for managing the death of a family pet, understanding funerals, the value of a “death binder” will be some of the topics covered from a resource based perspective.

And ultimately, finding the joy in living our best life.

How does this make you feel?
Too early after the death?
You’ve waited too long?
You’re scared?
You wonder if people will judge you?
How will your family feel?
How will you feel?
How will your loved one’s family feel?
Where do you begin?
How do you manage your own safety?
How do you spot a scammer on an online dating app?
What are you actually looking for?

These questions and more will be explored in this two hour seminar.
No judgement, no questions unanswered.

In this two hour seminar Blair will facilitate rituals that have been missing during Covid and helping people come to term with loss of friends, clients, patients, livelihoods.

We have, and continue to live in a time like no other in recent history.  This workshop will examine how this pandemic had affected our ability to journey will individuals and the end of life, as well as acknowledging the additional layers of grief that need to be addressed as well.  Caregivers will be offered a variety of “survival tools” to assist them in dealing with a number of issues caregivers continue to deal with.