Author
- Jolene Hill1
- Your Life Talks1
2018
Excerpt
Jolene is motivated to inspire families to have conversations about what really matters in life. She was a full time carer for her husband when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and with this knowledge and her background as a Funeral Director, she was inspired to create 'Your Life Talks'. She is passionate about the importance of creating a record of our life journey for future generations, and having conversations about our end of life wishes.
Abstract
Author: Jolene Hill
Research has revealed around 70% of terminally ill patients reported higher quality of life and a greater will to live after participating in 'dignity therapy' – a conversation about their life, feelings, memories and hopes, resulting in a lasting memento they could share with their families.
The power of telling your own story cannot be underestimated, and the empathy that develops through listening to a person’s story can only serve us better to truly respect that person as an individual, to be cherished and cared for, connecting the human spirit of a life well lived.
An innovative new tool to encourage these conversations is ‘Your Life Talks’ Conversation Starter Cards. There are 50 questions in each of the Conversation Starter card decks, so they can be used on an individual basis or at group sessions over a period of time. They provide an easy conversation style format, that can break down barriers and stimulate ongoing discussions.
By actually having a card in their hands, it gives the card holder the (psychological) ‘permission to speak’ – to both vocalise the question, and to add their thoughts in response as well. The simple subconscious ‘power’ of this cannot be overstated.
Abstract
Author: Jolene Hill
Research has revealed around 70% of terminally ill patients reported higher quality of life and a greater will to live after participating in 'dignity therapy' – a conversation about their life, feelings, memories and hopes, resulting in a lasting memento they could share with their families.
The power of telling your own story cannot be underestimated, and the empathy that develops through listening to a person’s story can only serve us better to truly respect that person as an individual, to be cherished and cared for, connecting the human spirit of a life well lived.
An innovative new tool to encourage these conversations is ‘Your Life Talks’ Conversation Starter Cards. There are 50 questions in each of the Conversation Starter card decks, so they can be used on an individual basis or at group sessions over a period of time. They provide an easy conversation style format, that can break down barriers and stimulate ongoing discussions.
By actually having a card in their hands, it gives the card holder the (psychological) ‘permission to speak’ – to both vocalise the question, and to add their thoughts in response as well. The simple subconscious ‘power’ of this cannot be overstated.