Education & Presentations

The South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society’s offers a variety of programs designed to increase end-of-life literacy within our communities. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of end-of-life issues while promoting informed and compassionate care for all.

What is Advance Care Planning?

“Advance Care Planning is a process of reflection and communication. It is a time
for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let others know what kind of
health and personal care you would want in the future if you become incapable
of consenting to or refusing treatment or other care.”

Advance Care Planning Workbook: Nova Scotia Edition,
Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association
Advance Care Planning Includes:
  • Learning about end-of-life care options and procedures.
  • Deciding who will make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapable of doing so for yourself.
  • Having conversations with family and friends to let them know your future health and personal care wishes.
  • Documenting your wishes by creating a Personal Directive.
Advance Care Planning Presentations

The South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society periodically offers Advance Care planning presentations using the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association’s Advance Care Planning Workbook and guide. Copies are available at our office.

To receive information about our next presentation, please contact our office or add your name to our electronic waitlist to be notified about upcoming presentations.

Despite what many people often think of when they see an event named “Death Cafe”, death cafes are not morbid, terrifying events that bring death to our door. Trust us, talking about death never killed anyone.

At a Death Cafe individuals, often strangers, gather over a cup of coffee or tea to engage in candid discussions about death. The goal of a death cafe is to increase awareness of death and to help facilitate conversations that help people begin to think about, and prepare for death. Death cafes involve group discussions without a specific agenda, objective, or theme. It serves as a space for conversation, rather than a grief support or counselling session.

Questions that may be discussed at a Death Cafe include:

  • What is your experience with death?
  • What does it mean to have a good death? a bad death?
  • What would you need (to put in place) to have an ideal death?
  • How do you live now that would contribute to a good death?
  • Have you spoken with your family about your wishes for end-of-life care?

History of Death Cafes

The first Death Café was held in 2011 in the UK at the home of Jon Underwood.  He was inspired by the work of Bernard Crettaz, a Swiss sociologist and anthropologist.  The first Cafe was facilitated by Jon’s mother, Sue Barsky Reid, a psychotherapist.  Death Cafes have been offered in over 80 countries since then.  Sadly, Jon died in 2017 at the age of 44 but the his work is carried on by his mother and sister.

Death Cafes are designed to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives”.

Why Should I Attend an End-of-Life Info Expo?

The End-of-Life Info Expo is for anyone who has questions or would like more information about various topics pertaining to end-of-life care and support. The event brings local service and care providers under one roof, allowing attendees to easily gather information.

  • Local hospice and palliative care services
  • Nova Scotia Health (NSH) palliative patient programs and services
  • Greif and bereavement support
  • Green burial information
  • Legal matters associated with end-of-life
  • And so much more….
What Should I Expect the Day of an Expo?

We understand that some people find it extremely difficult to discuss and plan for the end-of-life. To help, we have tried to ensure that the Expo environment is as casual and comfortable as possible. The venue offers bright open spaces and attendees can expect small intimate presentations, friendly and knowledgeable exhibitors, and ample spaces for taking a moment to rest.

Past Presentations Include:
  • What is Palliative Care?
  • Supporting Others in Grief
  • Medical Assistance in Dying (NS Health MAiD)
  • Supported Decision Making & Estate Planning
  • Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia
  • Willows Bend Collective
  • Cancer Care Navigator
  • EHS Special Patient Program
Past Exhibitors Include:

The South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society strives to enhance end-of-life and grief literacy through advocacy and educational programs. As part of this initiative, we ensure accessible and helpful resources by supporting the South Shore Regional Libraries with book donations and establishing our own Lending Library. To learn more, visit our Lending Library Catalogue here.

The South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society is dedicated to providing informative and engaging educational presentations for any group interested in learning more hospice and palliative care, the work of the Society, Advance Care Planning, Grief, and other areas associated with end-of-life.

Learn More About Hospice/Palliative Care and the Society…

Discover the more about the vision and impact of the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society. Learn about our programs, services, and volunteer opportunities, and how we support patients and families during challenging times. Gain a better understanding of palliative care, its benefits, and how it differs from other forms of medical care. This session is designed to clarify misconceptions and highlight the holistic approach of palliative care in managing pain and improving quality of life.

Learn More About Advance Care Planning…

Understand the importance of planning for future healthcare decisions. This presentation guides participants through the process of creating an advance care plan, ensuring that their wishes are known and respected.

Our Audiences…

Our presentations are tailored to suit the needs of various groups, including but not limited to:

  • Church Groups
  • Senior’s Groups
  • Community Groups
  • Hospital Auxiliary Members
  • Health Care Professionals in Training
  • Any group interested in learning more about end-of-life

No matter the size or nature of your group, we are committed to delivering valuable information in an accessible and compassionate manner. To request a presentation or for more information, please contact our office by phone (902) 527-0000 or email office@southshorehospice.ca.

An important part of enhancing end of life care is ensuring that local health care professionals have the training they need in palliative care practices. Through donations to South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society, we are pleased to be able to offer small grants to health care providers to access educational opportunities.

If your organization would benefit from education in palliative care please contact us.