Q: “What will this newfound present of old age and its unknown future demand of us?
Where is dignity to be found in it? How shall we find ourselves the dignity we see is
needed?”
Mary Morrison, Without Nightfall Upon the Spirit, Pendle Hill Pamphlet 311
Validating loss, allowing grief and spiritual community support can help us move through life’s most difficult changes. This pamphlet gives some brief points and suggested reading for those facing age related or other changes.
Q: How might the Quaker Testimonies of Stewardship, Simplicity, Integrity and Peace inform my decisions in completing my Advance Directives?
Would a Clearness process be helpful to my discernment?
If you are 18 and over and wish to have a say about what may happen to you if you become unable to speak for yourself, you need Advance Directives. Advance Directives include a Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Power of Attorney, and a will. Towards the end of life, one needs a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), and some states may have other forms as well. This pamphlet provides information about Advance Directives and lists resources for finding forms or more information.
“There is that near you which will guide you. O wait for it and be sure you keep to it.” Isaac Pennington, 1678
Hospice is an extremely useful service for a person who may be near the end of life and his or her family. Barbara Spring, NYYM ARCH program Coordinator, shares her personal experience with hospice care for her mother, and provides basic information about hospice and what it can provide. A reading list and websites reviewed by Barbara are suggested as further resources.
“How might I cast forth the loose matter and get down to the rock, the sure foundation, and there hearken to the divine voice which gives a clear and certain sound?” Query adapted from quote—John Woolman, c. 1770
This pamphlet discusses Slow Medicine in the context of Quakerism and a process of discernment that is centered in what is meaningful to a person. Suggestions can help Meetings to provide support and open dialogue for persons facing significant decisions about their medical care, or those who are planning their advance medical directives.
This pamphlet lists signs of depression, provides basic suggestions for Meetings in supporting people with depression, and lists resources for more information and help.
