The Irish Times: Assisted dying: ‘I do not want to end my days as a lost soul in a nursing home’
One couple’s story of four years from dementia diagnosis to assisted death
Sheila Wayman
Tue Sept 26 2023 - 09:37
Tue Sept 26 2023 - 09:37
On the morning that Wayne Briese had chosen for his medically assisted death, he was out shovelling snow in front of his house at 6am, to make sure the doctor would be able to get her car in.
It was January 6th, 2022, almost four years after he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 73. As soon as he received that news, Wayne made it clear to his wife, Jule Briese, that when he no longer had the quality of life that was acceptable to him, he wanted to avail of Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid), which was first legislated for in their home country of Canada in 2016.
To read the full story, visit The Irish Times.
MAiD House: MAiD Journey: Jule and Wayne
Published originally on MAiD House.
By Jule Briese.
The day my husband received his Alzheimer’s diagnosis January 18th 2018, confirmed what we both had suspected. Since then, Wayne has never wavered in his choice for MAiD before his quality of life becomes painfully compromised.
I have been his nurturing companion for the past three and a half years, supporting his journey towards MAiD. I fully support the right to choose a death with dignity through MAiD when a terminal condition painfully compromises the quality of life defined by each individual. In this case, I am focusing on Alzheimer’s.
Writing the memoir, The Hot Chocolate and Decadent Cake Society - Alzheimer’s and The Choice for MAiD has been one of the ways that has helped me begin the process of reconciling present and anticipatory loss through grief and mourning. It is a necessary process that opens the door to healing. In the words of Helen Keller, “the only way to the other side is through.” My memoir also emphasizes the need for emotional and spiritual nurturing.
To read more, visit MAiDHouse.
Irish carer Carmel Geoghegan co-chairs event on assisted dying
Published originally on Alzheimer Europe.
04/10/2024
This report was written by Carmen Elise Pocknell, a student from University College Cork, with comments from Carmel Geoghegan: On Wednesday, September 18th, I was fortunate enough to participate in an event co-chaired by the remarkable Carmel Geoghegan from Dementia Ireland and the diligent Janie Lazar from End of Life Ireland. We gathered in the intimate Studio Theatre at the Lexicon Library and Cultural Centre in Dun Laoghaire, by the wonderful seaside in Ireland. The venue perfectly facilitated a deep exploration of the challenging realities many face during difficult life moments.
To read more, visit Alzheimer Europe.
