My first experience with hospice was during a visit to Nepal 17 years ago. I was in the country visiting a charity school and a local orphanage I was sponsoring, when I was taken to a home for the aged & dying in Kathmandu, near Nepal's holiest Hindu temple -Pashupatinath. It was there I saw the temple's social welfare center which houses 220 people. It is located at the temple because Hindus believe that those who die there will experience instant salvation. It is there, that volunteers bathe the residents, and wash their clothing and bedding. Nursing students, nuns, and interns, along with other volunteers take turns feeding the sick and looking after the dying with compassionate and empathetic care.

 

   The Missionaries of Charity Nuns had been caring at this center since Mother Teresa initiated the service in 1978. ( It has since been taken over by the government.)  Nearby, cremation rites are carried out at the temple's ghats (Hindu funeral pyres) along the river bank. The dead's feet are washed, rice is sprinkled, the body is wrapped in a cloth shroud and strands of bright orange marigolds are laid on the deceased. There, the family prepares to cremate the body, in the open - in a public setting. The body is carried by the men of the family to the pyre area where wooden logs are spread on a stone platform. River water is placed in the mouth of the deceased, and priests chant prayers as the fire is lit.  Eventually, hours later, the soot and ashes are swept into the sacred Bagmati river that flows from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Ganges.

 

  The experience, as you can imagine, was a profound one for me. The process of life and death was uniquely peaceful and an opportunity to contemplate the impermanence of life.

   I felt guided to work with the dying and spent several years thereafter volunteering in a local hospice as a caregiver, then helping older family members as they were approaching their own transitions. It was an honour and a privilege to sit with the terminally ill and assist them in the final weeks - and days, of their lives. An unforgettable experience. Humbling, for sure.

   Hospice then profoundly touched me, when my partner became terminally ill and made the brave decision to die at home under hospice care. I had been his caregiver for four years prior, but my role intensified. I'm very fortunate to have had prior experiences in hospice which allowed me to assist him, so he could have a beautiful passing.  
His final wish was that we be married (after years of being engaged), and that ceremony took place in hospice care, three weeks before he transitioned.  

  Having lived through this experience myself, and being a widow, I understand the need for love, compassion, understanding, non-judgemental support, and honouring the dying's wishes. I fully recognize the help that spouses and family caregivers need to relieve the physical and emotional stress ( if even to be given a few hours of respite to eat, shower or nap!)  
 

  I trained as a certified End of Life (Death) Doula and carried out grief support and funeral celebrant training as I felt guided to this work. I believe it not only honours my life path- providing unconditional love and service to the dying, but it also honours my late husband/soulmate. More than ever, I feel that the synchronicities in my life have given me the preparation, training, and strength to be the best caregiver I could for my husband. I now want to extend that experience and training to others who may need support in what is often a frightening, chaotic and uncertain time.
 
  I welcome inquiries and look forward to discussing your requirements.
Free consultations are offered with no obligations. This is a very personal decision and one that requires thought and care. I fully respect and honour that.
 

Please let me know how I can help. 
 Karen