Have you given the circumstances of your death – which cannot be avoided - any thought? Doctor of gerontology and death doula Rayne Stroebel offers practical guidance, describing the role of a death doula and how he helped his father transition after a stroke. Creating an advanced directive may give your more control regarding medical intervention at the end of your life, and increase your chances of dying a “good death”.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Rayne and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

In ep. 157 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, Dr Rayne Stroebel, managing director of Geratec, touches on

• the role of an end-of-life or death doula

• the view of death characteristic of Western society

• what this view lacks: a sense of “the beauty and sacredness of death”

• how growing up in an old-age home – witnessing his mother helping individuals to transition – shaped Rayne’s view of death

• the difference between a living will and an advanced directive

• how to go about creating an advanced directive, including appointing a medical proxy

• Rayne’s story of his father’s death, and a couple of rituals he included while his father was transitioning

• what a “good death” may look like

• the difference between ending life, and not extending life when it is clearly ending – a controversial issue

• brain activity present after clinical death

• what happens when all food and fluids are withdrawn

• what to do when your loved one refuses to discuss a difficult diagnosis or death

• the great gift of your loving presence

• Rayne’s 3 (easy) tips for testing the waters regarding a good death.

In this episode, Rayne mentions Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal; Dignity SA; wellness specialist and death doula Keshnie Mathi; and physical a death café.

Scroll down for more info on Rayne, including his contact details, and for the link to creating an advanced directive.

Consider creating an advanced directive:

https://med.stanford.edu/letter/about.html

https://med.stanford.edu/letter/advancedirective.html

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Here Rayne considers whether dementia - a disease of the brain - also affects the soul.

Dr. Rina de Klerk-Weyer offers ways of talking about death to those you love.

About Rayne

Dr Rayne Stroebel is the founder and managing director of GERATEC (Gerontological Research, Training, Education​,​ and Caring) in Cape Town. He has a PhD. in Dementia Studies and offers consultation services to people diagnosed with dementia and their families, as well as to care providers and organisations.   

In 2010 Rayne brought The Eden Alternative philosophy to South Africa in ​an effort to create a life worth living for older people in care homes and retirement villages. Through educational workshops, The Eden Alternative encourages organisation​al​, personal​,​ and physical transformation.

Rayne is an Executive Member of the International Longevity Center of South Africa. He has also been trained as a death doula.

Rayne hosts a monthly “Death over dinner” group (in person).

Email:  raynestroebel@mindsmatter.co.za

Tel. 082 455 5300   

Websites:

https://mindsmatter.co.za/

https://letstalkdementia.co.za/

https://geratecza.com/

Youtube channel: Geratec

Facebook: Minds Matter

Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman.

Thumbnail image: Unsplash.

Photograph of Dr. Rayne Stroebel: supplied.