When we ask people who accompany how they imagine their last days of life, the answer is almost unanimous: At home, surrounded by their loved ones.
We know that this is not always possible, but it is significant to note that the vast majority rejects the idea of dying in solitude: the loneliness of intensive therapy, the loneliness of an absent or distant family, the loneliness of affections in general.
Another recurring fear is suffering, both physical and emotional. The anguish in the face of the possibility of pain adds to fear of agency: “I don’t want you to have to attend to everything”.
The value of an accompanied end of life
These fears and needs can only be met if as a society we commit ourselves to a accompaniment approach At the end of life. Accompany implies hear, be present, Try relief and Provide containment.
But what happens when someone does not have a family environment that guarantees that presence? It is there where the community takes on an essential role. As well as we mobilize to attend a woman who is going to give birth alone or to help someone on public roads, We must assume the responsibility of also taking care of the end of life.
A community that accompanies until the end
Far from being a utopia, building a accompaniment culture It is an urgent need. In The lighthouseWe work so that every person has access to tools that allow him to accompany a family member, friend, close or even a neighbor, with genuine resources that guarantee physical and emotional well -being In his last days.
A mature and conscious society not only takes care of the birth, but also when dying. When death ceases to be a taboo and integrates as part of life, fear of abandonment and loneliness in the end can be transformed into spaces of care and presence.
Add to the construction of a culture of accompaniment
From the lighthouse we offer training open to every person who wants to learn to accompanyas well as community work spaces so that society can address finitude from a Rights framework and with the necessary resources.
If you want to learn more about our training or participate in our community initiatives, write to [email protected].
By CEDOC
