Support and Help at the End
By Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne PhD
Down the long hallway
towards the great mystery
we will all parade.
No one escapes proceeding toward death, whether or not we participated in graduation, wedding, or festival processions. While there may not be rehearsals, dry runs, or celebrations for our death procession, we will all benefit from preparation.
At the End of Life
Slowly or suddenly,
sooner or later everyone dies.
May we seek knowledgeable guidance
and kind guides.
First, the bad news. In many cultures, there are myths and taboos about death, which complicate the path to the inevitable destination, and cause us to avoid this conversation. Unfortunately, at the end, many suffer painfully due to a lack of knowledge and clear communication.
Now, the good news. Health professionals, religious leaders, public figures, and loved ones have taken on the task of busting myths and taboos, offering guidance and reliable information. And this subject is attracting media attention. Did you watch the Aquí y Ahora and Al Punto programs presented in March on Univision TV? Did you listen to the interview with admired activist Dolores Huerta when she spoke from the heart on La Bomba Mañanera?
Some organizations advocate in legislatures, courts, and health systems to improve health care and empower everyone to chart their end-of-life journeys. We have allies and advocates on the road to death. And we have more than one option!
Options
Perhaps there are as many ways
of facing death and dying
as there are ways
of facing life and living.
We know that there are various versions of how to live a good and full life. Did you know that we have several options for dying with dignity and serenity? These include natural death, stopping unwanted medical treatment, hospice, palliative care, palliative sedation, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, and medical aid in dying.
In California
Everyone who lives in California has the right to free guidance along the way, thanks to an organization called End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA). Its mission is to “provide Californians the information and support to successfully navigate their legal end-of-life options.” EOLCCA delivers confidential services, available in Spanish, regardless of income or immigration status. Their volunteers offer individuals and their loved ones support and general and specific information for end- of-life planning and decision-making. They educate about the available options, so that decisions reflect each person’s wishes, values, preferences, and priorities. EOLCCA’s website, has a Spanish translation and contains countless resources, including useful forms and documents that can be downloaded and personalized at any time.
I am so impressed with this organization and its volunteers that I agreed to be part of their Advisory Committee. We all need these offerings, for ourselves and for our family and friends. What a relief to know that we have trustworthy guides for the end!
About the Author
Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne PhD (‘Doctora Marisol’) is a member of the EOLCCA Advisory Committee. She is a clinical community psychologist and contributes to human well-being through teaching, writing, and media. She worked in community mental health for over 30 years and has provided information and inspiration through radio/podcasts (‘Nuestros Niños’, ‘Cuerpo Corazón Comunidad’) and TV/video programs for over 15 years. She has taught at various universities, speaks at conferences and community events, and writes for print and digital outlets.
