How to deal with the dying?
How to help him?
The Christophorus Hospice Association teaches this in so-called last aid courses.
Bad-Tölz-Wolfratshausen
- Almost every adult person has completed a first aid course in their life.
However, very few people know what is meant by last aid.
The courses offered by the Christophorus Hospice Association in the district are not about saving lives in an emergency.
Rather, the participants learn how to gracefully and appropriately accompany a dying relative on their final journey.
For many people, death is still a taboo subject, says Elke Holzer from the hospice association.
"Last aid is a concept that trains people on how to deal with death in a more normal and natural way".
Together with Heidemarie Piffl from Tölz, the Eurasburger teaches last aid measures, which the palliative care specialist Dr.
Georg Bollig developed.
The background to the concept is easy to explain: “The majority of people would like to die at home,” explains Holzer, “but most of them die in hospital”.
Many relatives would feel overwhelmed with the care and support of the dying.
According to Holzer, "the experts in the clinic should rather do that".
She thinks this is an understandable reaction, "but one can learn how to deal with death".
Die as part of life
In the courses, the participants learn to understand dying as a part of life.
They learn what they need to know about power of attorney and living wills.
"This is important for many caregivers because they are not helpless when setting the course like this and, thanks to different contact persons, they are not alone," says Piffl.
Anyone who would like to adequately accompany a relative in the last phase of life must understand and be able to alleviate the physical, psychological and social needs of the dying - this is also taught in the courses of the hospice association.
“Many people fear that they will have to die in pain and suffering,” says Holzer.
Those who are familiar with last aid can make this path easier for their relatives.
“You don't have to be a doctor to help in many cases,” continues the experienced hospice attendant.
In tricky moments it is particularly important to deal with the situation and the issue of death calmly and prudently.
You don't have to be a doctor to help
That sounds easier than most loved ones do with a loved one.
Holzer, a nurse by profession, would have "never thought that the subject of death would one day burden me heavily".
In the family circle, however, she had exactly the experience that many people go through when a loved one dies.
The change of perspective has shown her something: "Grief is part of saying goodbye." In the protected framework of the courses, the participants can exchange experiences, allow grief, and "then tears flow".
Also read: Terminal care in times of Corona
However, the four course hours are not always melancholy.
"We're trying to make the subject more normal and treat it as something natural," affirmed Piffl.
The two course instructors also emphasize what this work can give you: "It fills you with a deep humility and gratitude to accompany someone on the last journey." This also applies, by the way, "when it is incredibly sad".
Last help courses
The Christophorus Hospice Association Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen offers courses at the Neuer Platz Geretsried at regular intervals.
There are still places available on Friday, November 13th.
For more information, call 0 81 71/99 91 55
