Deciding where to be cared for

Deciding where to be cared for 

If your cancer progresses to a point where you need to start preparing to pass into The Dreaming, take some time to think about what you want. Think about where you want to be during those final days, how you want to be cared for, who you want around you and where your resting place will be for your body. 

Where possible, being on Country during your final days will be a strength and comfort to you but for some of our mob, getting home to Country is not possible for many reasons. There are ways for mob to bring Country to you and you can connect to local Country. Yarn with family, Elders and mob about any traditional ceremonies or cultural protocols you want to fulfil.  

Yarn with Elders of the Country you’re on, and ask them about what others have done, what protocols to remember, and who might be willing to spend some time sharing about Country and culture with you.  Mob will be honoured to help you to make the arrangements.

Deciding where to be cared for can take some time. That’s okay, and it is a personal choice. You can yarn with family, and your health care team about what options there are for you and your family to be together. 

It is important to yarn through the all options with those you love and care about. If you have any concerns or questions, yarn with your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.