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Halifax Shambhala Centre Societal Health and Well Being

As a member of the Halifax Shambhala Centre, who do I call when I need help?

Summary: The following article is a list of questions and answers that may be a useful for community

members to keep on hand. It is meant to be a guide for future reference regarding your or a loved one’s

continued health and well being. It is very practical information about a number of topics ranging from

who to call if you need help in your home following a surgery to how to arrange for a funeral at the

Shambhala Centre.

These main areas are addressed:

Getting help right away when you need it;

Personal directives, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders and wills;

End of life care, practices at end of life and planning a Sukhavati;

Death has occurred care plan;

Funeral ceremonies and a resource

Reference – Funeral Planning Guide - Halifax Shambhala Community

As a working document, the information/ resource contact details may change over time, but it is hoped

that on an ongoing basis this document will be used as reference guide for Shambhala community who

need to know who to call when they need help in a variety of life situations.

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1. Getting help right away when you need it

Who do I call when I, or another family member, are feeling ill or have an accident and don't know if

it's serious enough to go to the emergency room, see a doctor, or treat it at home?

811 is a service answered by registered nurses who are skilled in asking those questions which will

enable them to give advice on all types of medical issues.

Who do I call if I have major accident in my home and need immediate medical assistance?

911 or go to the emergency room at any of the hospitals. In Halifax, the emergency room is located at

the Infirmary building for adults; at the IWK for children.

Who do I call if I need to find what provincial services are available?

211 will be able to refer you to public and private organizations which provide services concerning health

issues and caregiving.

Who do I call if I think I or a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or other memory issues?

Speak with your primary care physician and discuss your concerns and request diagnostic testing. A

great resource in Halifax is the Geriatric Ambulatory Care Centre at Camp Hill Hospital on Jubilee Rd.

Another great resource is the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, 6009 Quinpool Rd., 422-7961

There are two excellent books written by local community members on this subject are Welcome to the

Departure Lounge by Meg Federico- a funny yet touching portrayal of the indignities of aging. Also, The

Salami Salesman and His Daughter Falafel by Dr. Laurie Mallery’s poignant account of the events leading

up to her father’s death and what she learned through the process of caring for him (the book's subtitle

pretty much says it all - What an older man's death can teach us about how and how not to care for the

frail and dying). Ten Thousand Joys, Ten Thousand Sorrows: A Couples Journey Through Alzheimers,

was written by a Buddhist practitioner, Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle, whose husband, also a practitioner, had

Alzheimer's disease. He was particularly articulate about the changes in his perception and abilities.

Who do I call for help in my home after being released from the hospital?

Before you leave the hospital you should speak with the Nova Scotia Continuing Care discharge planner

at the hospital who can assess (in conjunction with your doctor) if you qualify for a paid home support/

nurse to come into your home.

You can also call the central NS Continuing Care number at: 1-800-225-7225.

You can call your Dekyong (if you have one) and let them know when you will be returning home and

give them permission to make your request known to the members of your deleg who might want to

help in a non-professional way with your care.

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You can call the Shambhala Centre and get the name(s) of the Societal Health and Well Being

coordinator(s). They will assist you in finding the resources your need.

Because of Canada’s privacy laws, disclosure of health information without the express consent of the

person in question is illegal. You cannot as a Dekyong or friend put someone’s name and their health

concerns and needs online at Sangha Announce without their express consent. (PIPEDA-explain).

A “circle of care” team may be needed and this should be established by a designated person- (perhaps

the Dekyong.) Clarity in communication is a critical part of a care plan team. At the present time there is

no designated community “circle of care” community coordinator. This phrase stems from the work of

Ann Cason, a community member who wrote the notable book Circles of Care.

Several community members in Halifax have used the book Share the Care to set up an effective

support system.

When would I call a Desung and who would I call?

Desung have a role in working with situations where conflict has arisen or where people are

experiencing illness or difficult situations. Desung also work with situations that threaten the well-being

of the community as a whole. When a situation arises, we investigate it and make sure it is related to in

the most appropriate way. Sometimes we help in the situations ourselves, and sometimes we bring

them to the attention of people who are in the best position to deal with them. The Desung work

closely with other individuals or organizations within the mandala who have overlapping concerns on a

need-to-know basis, while respecting confidentiality. This includes the Office of Societal Health and

Well-Being as well as the Centre Director and staff, Acharyas, Shastris, Meditation Instructors and

Dekyongs.

The Regimental Desung officer for HRM is Michelle Munro. The Desung for the Halifax Shambhala

Centre is Torgny Vigerstad. The regional Desung officer for the Atlantic Provinces is Meg Vigerstad.

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2. Personal Directives, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)orders and wills

Who do I call if I want to know more about the Personal Directive Act which was enacted in April

2010?

By creating a Personal Directive you can determine how personal care and health care decisions will be

made should you become unable to make your own decisions. It sets out instructions and authorizes

someone to make decisions on your behalf during such time that you are incapacitated. A PD ensures

that your wishes are made clear and that someone you trust will see that your instructions are followed.

A Personal Directive is only in effect while you are incapacitated.

There is excellent information on Personal Directives found on the Capital Health website,

http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/patientinformation/nshealthnet/1385.pdf

In addition, a more comprehensive form has been designed for the Shambhala Community.

You can look on the Shambhala Centre web site under aging/ personal directives for a more

comprehensive document which includes personal care and practices to be done at home in the end

stage of life.

Or

Call 1-800-670-4357 (Service Nova Scotia)

Website: www.gov.ns.ca/just/pda

Who do I call if I would like to know more about putting a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place?

In Nova Scotia, you need to speak with your primary care physician and sign a DNR order that is also

signed the doctor. Keep it in a safe place in your home. Be your own best health advocate and speak

with your doctor about your wishes before you need to. It is also available on line on the Shambhala

Centre website.

Who do I call if I want to make a will?

It may be best to speak with an NS licensed attorney; listings are on line or in the phone directory. It is

true that anyone can make a will without using an attorney. It is helpful to have a template, which is

available on-line or at the Dalhousie Law School. A will must be signed by two people who are not

mentioned in the will.

Also, model wills are available online: http://www.shambhala.org/giving/planned.php as well as

information on making bequests to Shambhala.

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3. End of life care, Practices at end of life, and planning a Funeral Service

Who do I call if I would like to get the practices that the Sakyong Mipham recently wrote to be done at

the end of life and my death may be imminent?

Anyone who has received the lung for "The Armour of Fearlessness" can transmit that practice to

another practitioner, either in person or by phone. The "Shing Kam Shambhala Funeral Service can be

conducted by anyone who has received the lung.

Who do I call if I would like to list my wishes in planning my funeral service?

Please look on the Shambhala web site under the members’ only section to see the list of resources that

are available to you, at http://www.shambhala.org/members/practice/manual/SecTen.PDF

A post-mortem survey has been posted in the Halifax Community Room section of the Shambhala

Network. It provides the opportunity to state one's wishes following death. For those who have an

account on the Shambhala Network, here is the link to that section:

http://shambhalanetwork.org/groups/center-197-all/documents/

How do I arrange for a funeral ceremony?

Call the Shambhala Centre Director and let them know of your wishes and schedule. Also, you can

review the check list at the completion of this document.

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4. Death has occurred care plan

When a friend or loved one dies in my house:

Whom do I call first?

If it is an expected death in the home, you need to contact the deceased’s physician to let them

know that their patient has died, but if this happens in the middle of the night, you can call in the

morning- there is no rush, but the funeral home does require that a death certificate be signed prior to

their picking up the body. If funeral arrangements have been made, you can call the funeral home and

tell them when you would like the body picked up. They will not come to the home until you let them

know you are ready for them to pick up the body.

If the death is unexpected, you should immediately call 911.

Who certifies the person is dead?

A physician needs to certify that the person has died. This should be done at home unless the

person is under the care of "palliative care". Then the funeral home can call the physician and it can be

done on the phone.

Does the body need to leave the house?

No, the body does not need to leave the house until you decide.

If not, who comes to make any necessary preliminary preparations?

It would be up to the family/ loved ones to make preparations for the body to remain in the home.

Are there things I need to do to the body?

Upon death, a simple and gentle sponge bath of the body is sometimes done by loved ones. Put on

fresh clothing and fresh linens if the body is going to remain for several days. Put plastic sheeting under

the body to protect the mattress. If you know it is the wish of the recently deceased person to promote

sacred outlook, you may tell them/ whisper in their ear “[Name], you are dead. Now practice_-“

Talk to them and describe what you are doing just like you would if the person was still able to hear.

(Also, see notes under Dorje Kasung funeral ceremony)

What are the considerations in handling a recently deceased person?

Maintaining dignity, equanimity, and a view of sacred world would seem to be a good idea. Some people

have found this to be an intimate time of connection and love.

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What if I want people to come and sit with the body in my house? Are there ceremonies or

practices I should be or someone should be performing?

If it is an expected death in the home, it is a good idea to talk with the person to find out what their

wishes are in terms of what they would like to happen after they die. Ask the loved one if they would

they like for the community to sit with their body? Are there special practices that they would like done

at the time of their death? At their funeral service? Is there an acharya or meditation instructor that

they would like to lead practice or be with them upon their death? Write down their wishes and make

sure they are readily available at time of death. Note that there is a post-mortem survey available in

the Halifax Community Room in the Shambhala Network. Filling it out would be extremely helpful both

for those loved ones left behind as well as the Shambhala Centre. There is also information on

preparing an "advanced directive" on the network and the Halifax Shambhala Centre website. Please

refer to the "funeral planning guide" in section 6 of this document for further information on funerals.

Someone could stay with the deceased and do tonglen. You are trying to create a gentle peaceful

atmosphere so they can go on their journey and that no one is holding them back.

Are the maximum and minimum times for this to occur? How do you minimize decay during

this period?

After about 48 hours the body may begin to decay (or sooner depending on the state of body and

weather).

Dry ice has been recommended in the past, but no longer as there are stricter regulations regarding its

use, and it is also a health hazard in itself as it releases carbon dioxide into the room. Some community

members have used portable window air conditioners in the summer, and have left windows open

during the winter. Blue ice packs that can be frozen are also often used. Blue ice packs will also be

provided by the funeral home if this is part of their service requested by the family.

Are there other places where this can happen besides my house?

Funeral homes keep the body cool until the time of cremation or burial.

What are my options for ultimate disposition of the body? Is one method considered better than

another? What laws must I follow? How much will it cost?

Nova Scotia law states that the body must be transported in a wooden or chipboard box (which may

cost between $300-$600) before cremation. It can be transported by anyone. For cremations, a

ceremonial casket can also be rented. There are considerations: financial, availability of help, aesthetics,

and convenience to name a few. Most funeral homes are very interested in taking into consideration

diverse needs, but there is a financial cost to their services. The Shambhala Centre has a funeral cost

break-down from Cruikshanks/Snows/Mattatall, which will be helpful in determining what is needed.

The director of the office of Societal Health & Well Being will be able to explain the services offered.

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5. Funeral Ceremonies

Are there different forms for a ceremony? Who can advise me on this?

There is the traditional Ceremony of Sukhavati service, and a shorter funeral service that is inserted into

the Sadhana of Mahamudra, both written by the Druk Sakyong. Both are available online at

http://www.shambhala.org/members/practice/manual/SecTen.PDF. Shing Kam, a Shambhala funeral

service recently written by the Sakyong, is also available. A simple memorial service may be held rather

than a traditional Buddhist funeral.

Are there different types of ceremonies, like military versus non-military?

Yes there are differences in military versus non military services.

A Dorje Kasung Funeral ceremony has been drafted and any Dorje Kasung can access the DK web site

once their commanding officer has given permission for them to have access to it. It is password

protected, since it is on the Shambhala International web site. Local commanding officers may make

adjustments and additions as they feel necessary to fit with local conditions and traditions; however, the

basic elements should be adhered to. The distinguishing characteristics of a Kasung funeral are a sense

of precision and cheerful upliftedness. As the document states, it is still in development and can be

added to in consultation with the current Dorje Kasung Sergeant Major, Anna Weinstein. For example,

at one recent Dorje Kasung funeral the Sadhana of Mahamudra and a feast was included in the

ceremony.

The Sgt. Major is currently Anna Weinstein and she may be contacted for any questions someone may have about a military funeral in Shambhala. Her email address is aweinstein.shambhala@gmail.com. Kasung may be cremated in Town or Field uniform; however, all Kasung emblems, pins, awards, ties,

buttons, and accoutrements must be removed prior to actual cremation. As usual, small amounts of the

kasung’s preferred food and drink should be placed in the coffin.

From a Buddhist point of view, an open coffin is usually desirable; however, since coffins may

occasionally need to be closed, for the sake of uniformity it is suggested that all coffins at Kasung

funerals be closed.

What do I do with practice materials, calligraphies for refuge and bodhisattva names, lung texts with

names in them, etc?

Once again, if it is an expected death in the home, it would be a good idea to speak to the person prior

to death to ask what their wishes are concerning their precious practice materials to see what their

wishes are for their disposition and write their wishes down. Texts can be burned, or given to another

person who has permission to do the specific practice. Practice implements can also be passed to

another practitioner, or donated to the local centre for ceremonial use.

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Are there people who can help me with dealing with the details of life while I am grieving; paying bills,

helping with pets, advice on finances , making various arrangements, etc.?

There are many grief support groups available in HRM. Contact the bereavement coordinator for the

QE11 (902-473-1622) to get a list of these groups. Positive Aging, an annually updated valuable source

of information for Nova Scotia Seniors is available by calling 1-800-670-0065 or visit

www.gov.ns.ca/seniors.

There is also a grief support drop-in group for community, which takes place once a month at the Halifax

Shambhala Centre. Call the front desk for details. For personal support, there is no one resource for

help with these issues. People rely on friends and family.

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6. Reference –Funeral Planning Guide - Halifax Shambhala Community

This information is meant to assist individuals, family and friends in the event of a death. Note that if

the deceased may have entered their wishes in the post-mortem survey, described in this document.

This survey provides the opportunity to state one's wishes following death. To ask about the survey

information, if previously supplied by the deceased, please contact the Halifax Shambhala Centre.

Prior to Death

1. Determine, to the greatest extent possible, the wishes of the dying person for the post-mortem

care of their body.

2. Choose a sangha funeral director (could be a friend or someone with past experience) who

would serve as a liaison between the family, the preceptor, and the Shambhala Centre. This

person might also assist the family in determining the degree to which a funeral home would be

involved, and liaise with the funeral home if need be. (Check with the director of the Office of

Societal Health & Well-Being for a break-down of services and costs offered by local funeral

homes). Another option would be to choose a crematorium without going through a funeral

home.

3. Determine where the body will be viewed following death.

Following Death

1. If the person dies at home, the main considerations are preparing the body, keeping it cool, and

coordinating a schedule for people to come and sit with the body until the time it is transferred

to the SC.

2. If the person dies at home but is unable to remain there, or dies in hospital or another place

where the body cannot remain, and is unable to be transferred to a home, then the Shambhala

Centre would need to determine if the body could be brought there for the days prior to the

funeral. Another option would be to have the body taken to a funeral home for preparation

and meditation practice.

3. Options for transferring the body need to be considered. If cost is a major consideration, the

family might choose to transfer the body themselves. This is legal within HRM. It would be

possible to transfer the body from a home to the Centre and then directly to a crematorium.

4. Most people will choose the services of a funeral home as they will take care of transfers,

preparing the body, and doing the paperwork. Caskets can be rented if the body is to be

cremated.

5. Family members and/or friends will need to pick out photos or other memorabilia to display at

the funeral service.

6. It is possible that a funeral service could not be held at the Halifax Shambhala Centre because of

activities at the Centre, such as an abhisheka or a visiting teacher program. In that case, a

different venue would need to be chosen by the family.

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The Funeral Service

The following roles will need to be filled for the service:

An overall-sangha coordinator/funeral director who would liaise with the Shambhala Centre

Person in charge of set-up

Preceptor to lead the funeral service

Choppon / shrine keeper

Event coordinator - works with the preceptor and family to determine readings, music,

offerings and may give an explanation to guests prior to the service so non-community visitors

will know what to expect

Audio person - will need two microphones and a decision about recording the event or not

Greeters at the door of the shrine room

Host for special guests - will need to provide water and glasses and be prepared to answer

questions about the Centre and the service

Person in charge of the reception

Kasung presence

Clean-up person

Items needed prior to the service:

Liturgy for the funeral service to be used (the practice and study coordinator needs to be

informed of the decision about the type of service as soon as possible prior to the event)

Two photos of the person, one for the shrine and one to be burned

Special set-up on tray for the burning of the photo (choppon responsibility)

Flowers

Food for the shrine

Recorded music, if requested

Shambhala flag to be draped over the casket

Anything else the family requests

Reception

Food catered, trays bought at grocery store, and/or food brought by friends

Room set-up; table for drinks, tables for food

Coordinator will need assistants to see that the food is offered and platters removed

Clean-up includes the reception area and the kitchen

If food has been catered, coordinator should remain until the caterers have come to remove

their property

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Other

The role of the coordinator/funeral director will be greater or lesser depending on the

involvement of family and close friends of the deceased. In any case, that person should have a

view of the whole picture and be able to step in as necessary to see that any issues of concern

are remedied.

Monetary compensation for the Halifax Shambhala Centre is $200-$500, depending on the

length of time the body is at the Centre and the logistics necessary for the service.

Compensation should also be made to the preceptor, coordinator and others as appropriate.