Wednesday, January 3, 2018


Raymond A Fernando's letter to The Strait Times: Be open to talking about death

 

My letter to The Strait Times, the very first one for this year (2018) on the above subject is published today, Wednesday 3rd January 2018.

 

What a great start to a new year to read of the kindness and compassion shown by the Nam Hong Welfare Service Society to reach out to disadvantaged seniors in Yishun and encouraging discussions on death and dying (Seniors get free portraits in bid to lift taboo about death; Jan 1). 

Death, just like mental illness, is often viewed as a taboo subject.

Yet, it is very much a part of life’s journey.

Facing up to the reality of impending death enables relatives to make early and concrete plans to ensure that their dying loved ones pass on with dignity, knowing they were surrounded with love and care before their last breath.

Some areas that require some advanced planning when a loved one is at the last stages of his or her life include preparing an obituary, writing a will, determining the distribution of assets, settling outstanding loans (if any), arranging meetings to put to bed any unresolved issues, taking note of funeral service preferences, etc.

There are hundreds of seniors who live alone and there is a dire need to reach out to them so that when they eventually die, they must never feel unloved and uncared for.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

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