Symposium CD&V-senioren – CDA senioren – European Seniors’ Union

Creating Dignity in the Final Phase of Life

On 20th April over 100 seniors attended the Sint-Janskerk in Maastricht, a fascinating day on ‘Creating dignity in the final phase of life”.  Ethical reflection and debate, experiences of formal and informal caregivers, were part of the search for responsible and humane behavior and policy on end-of-life care. 

Five interesting speakers shared their perspectives on the topic: Professor Wim Pinxten (Medical ethics professor at the University of Hasselt, specializing in research and care ethics, and serving on various bioethics committees) highlighted that death is a natural part of life, and people in other places and times dealt with it differently. Hans Kling (Protestant chaplain at Maastricht University Medical Centre, specializing in medical ethics) emphasized the importance of a valid living will and Professor Dr. Cor Spreeuwenberg (Former doctor, professor of chronic care integration, IMDI chair) stressed the importance of considering the caregivers’ sensitivities in the end-of-life care process. Jos Aben (Director of various care organizations) emphasized that preserving residents’ experiences is essential to maintain dignity in residential care centers.

In her speech, our president An Hermans expressed her satisfaction with the choice of the topic ‘palliative care’, and highlighted the increasing need for it . She thanked Dr. Cor Spreeuwenberg and the whole team around him for preparing the symposium. The differences across Member States and the lack of policy making around it at European level can’t be excuses for not dealing with it. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the existential questions surrounding end-of-life care and emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. International organizations have recognized palliative care as a fundamental aspect of human dignity and a human right to health. The recent initiatives on care by the EU could potentially create some  perspectives to integrate palliative care into the analysis and development of long term care in the healthcare and care systems in the member states. The European Seniors’ Union is committed to continuing its advocacy for the necessity of reflection on palliative care with the EU Commission. You can find her speech here.

At the end of the day, Brigitte Grauwels, former minister, highlighted the necessity for reflection and underlined that the event provided valuable insights into the ethical considerations, scientific advances, and personal experiences surrounding end-of-life care. The symposium emphasized the need for communication, planning, sensitivity to caregivers’ feelings, and preserving dignity and quality of life for the terminally ill. The speakers’ diverse perspectives and expertise provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care and its implications for society as a whole.