LGBTQ2+ people face several barriers to accessing healthcare. These barriers have a significant impact on the day-to-day health and well-being of these individuals as well as delaying the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of life-limiting illnesses. As a person’s health declines, these barriers may prevent a person from accessing palliative care support from community healthcare and […] The post The Top LGBTQ2+ Barriers to Accessing Palliative Care and 6 Ways to Help appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

We hope that the revisions to the workbook and Instructor’s Guide will bring PSWs another step closer to ensuring that any person with a life-limiting illness will have the opportunity to be fully supported in their journey. Join us on a brief tour of the revised Workbook and Instructor’s Guide, learn what makes them unique […] The post Get Ready for Our New, Improved Workbook & Instructor’s Guide! appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

As we celebrate Palliative Care Month, the Life & Death Matters team wants to send a heartfelt and sincere thank you to you all! The post A Thank You Letter from Life & Death Matters  appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

Written by Michelle O’Rourke Care is a word that is frequently used, yet often taken for granted. We can ask someone, “What do you want in your coffee?” and they may reply with, “Milk or cream – I don’t care.” In the world of health care, we tend to use this word as something task-oriented […] The post The Platinum Rule: A Guide to Compassionate Caregiving appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

Author: Rebecca Skoot If you received a COVID vaccine, you’ve benefited from the life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skoot shares the story of Henrietta Lacks, an ordinary Black woman in 1951, living with five children in the USA. Henrietta became ill and went to Johns Hopkins Hospital for diagnosis and then treatment of advanced cervical […] The post Book Recommendation: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

Written by Isabelle Leslie The beginning of April has two very important days to reflect upon; Invisible Work Day and National Caregiver Day. It’s a coincidence that they occur very close together, but it’s fitting that they do. On National Caregiver Day we recognize the many people who are caring for someone diagnosed with a […] The post Discussing Invisible Work Day and National Caregiver Day appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

From Elizabeth Causton, MSW, Counsellor – Palliative Response Team As a PSW, situations will challenge your ability to maintain your therapeutic boundaries — meaning that it will be difficult to keep your personal baggage from getting in the way of providing compassionate, non-judgmental, empathetic care. Responding to questions about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) may […] The post Using VERS When Responding to Questions About MAID appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

There are very few issues in healthcare right now that generate stronger emotions than MAID – Medical Assistance in Dying. In June 2016, MAID became legal in Canada. Since then, some of the people who met the criteria for MAID have chosen to die with MAID. As people become aware of MAID, they may explore […] The post Four Skills You’ll Need When Supporting a Person Exploring MAID appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

We are very excited to announce new Life and Death Matters resources for students! Let’s get started because there is so much to report. The post New Palliative Care Resources for the New Year! appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more

To be honest, I never thought I would become an academic. The post Healing, Stitching, and Presence appeared first on Life and Death Matters ..read more