A practical guide to support life during serious illness or at life’s end
This new booklet contains articles and discussion questions that can help you and your church understand what is going on with end-of-life care today, why it matters, and how we can respond as Christians.
The 44-page booklet, published in 2018, is divided into four sections with informative articles, clearly presented data, and helpful discussion questions.
You can downoad an electronic copy (PDF) for reading on an electronic device by clicking the button at the bottom of this webpage.
To order free printed copies, call toll-free 1-866-302-3362 or email EFC@TheEFC.ca.
There is no cost for either the printed version or PDF version of this publication, but we do ask that you help offset our costs of producing such a valuable resource with a donation. You can donate toll-free at 1-866-302-3362 or at TheEFC.ca/Donate.
CONTENTS
5 Introduction
SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
9 The story of palliative care
10 What is palliative care?
14 Interview: A physician opens up about assisted suicide and what palliative care has to offer
16 Discussion questions
SECTION 2: WHY PALLIATIVE CARE MATTERS
19 How does our faith motivate us to support palliative care?
20 How is palliative care unique?
23 Palliative care by the numbers
24 Discussion questions
SECTION 3: WAYS CANADIANS ARE ENGAGED IN PALLIATIVE CARE
27 Engaging in public policy
28 Case study: Faith groups play part in getting new hospice built
29 Case study: How music tends and heals
31 Case study: How I wound up on 100 Huntley St
with my golden doodle
32 Discussion questions
SECTION 4: GETTING INVOLVED
35 What can I do?
37 Tips for visiting hospital patients
38 What are the conversations we need to have around death, dying and bereavement?
39 FAQs
40 Resources
41 Discussion questions
42 Conclusion
Note: See our related online series
Your Stories of Palliative Care. Learn more about the EFC's work around palliative care by clicking under "Related Topics" below.