Conversations that count in the end a necessity
Have you heard of Death Cafes?
If the concept conjures up alarming images, you needn’t worry.
Death Cafes are attracting positive feedback and are wellestablished world-wide.
They are not grief support or counselling sessions, but groupdirected conversations with no agenda, other than to ‘‘increase awareness of death, to help people make the most of their finite lives’’.
Death Cafes are regularly held in Nelson - see deathcafe.com.
Did you know April 5 was ‘Conversations that Count Day’?
This day promotes advance care planning - thinking about and planning for your future and end-of-life care.
By talking with family now about what’s important to you, they’ll be better informed if they need to make decisions.
See for more information, video clips and useful templates.
Options for funerals are a lot more varied than most realise.
Check CAB’s website for the basic requirements. Costs can be drastically reduced if you don’t take everything that’s offered. Also, natural burials are available in both Nelson and Tasman districts. (Council websites have details).
The Funeral Directors Association of NZ is currently running a ‘Take the Time to Talk’ campaign.
They aim to encourage conversations that can be transformed into a meaningful gathering to remember and celebrate a life. They say ‘‘The sharing of your life story isn’t something that has to be done in your absence. ... Do it now, when you can enjoy being part of the conversation’’. See fdanz.co.nz.
And if you don’t have a will, or haven’t arranged for people you trust to have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) for you, do this now while you are fit and healthy.
CAB has lots of information about wills on its website. There are two types of EPA. One for property, and one for personal care and welfare. EPA legislation changed in March, making the forms and processes. See Superseniors.msd.govt.nz/ finance-planning/enduringpower-of-attorney for details.
It’s good that end-of-life issues are finally receiving the attention they deserve. For free help, see ca.org.nz call into our bureau at 9 Paru Paru Rd.