Death is going to affect every single one of us and we’re often not good at thinking or talking about it or planning for it in advance. Another transition that can be daunting and present lots of unanswered questions and anxieties, is a dementia diagnosis. This presents difficulties and challenges, the fear of loss of independence, and changes to lifestyles, cognition, abilities, and relationships.
These can all be daunting.
ELDER CARE IN LIVING AND IN DEATH
My vision is to make a difference and support as many people as I can to continue to live independently at home for as long as they can (if that is their wish); and to have an informed and peaceful end of life transition. I have a unique focus on those experiencing dementia.
I achieve this by offering a professional, person centered, non-medical, care service to bridge the gap, and ensure our elders and family/significant others are informed and empowered, regarding all care and choices, before and after death.
There is no right way to approach life’s transitions. My role is not to tell anyone what to do, but to support, guide and assist. I provide information and options, so choices that are right for the individuals and those they care about are made. I can support you to know that you are not helpless, and everyone has the means within them and the support around them to navigate these transitions with strength, dignity, and peace.
SERVICES
My personal and professional experience, knowledge and training ensures I offer the right support at the right time. I am committed to ensure that our elders, including those experiencing dementia; receive kind, respectful and person-centred care. I aim to ensure that wherever possible people experience an informed and peaceful end of life transition and to support them if their wish is to die at home, or not die alone. I offer genuine care and kindness, and appropriate and timely information, options, resources and support.
I am intuitive, compassionate, and professional. All services are delivered in a respectful and supportive manner and in a loving, peaceful environment.
The service packages include:
- assisting with planning
- emotional, spiritual and practical support
- respite
- service navigation and coordination
- advocacy and liaison
- transport
- providing information to inform choices
- communication and;
- dementia specific care
PACKAGES FOR THE CLIENT AND FAMILY/SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Free Meet & Greet
One hour face to face, phone or Zoom chat to determine if the services offered are what you are looking for and if I am the right person for you and your loved ones.
In Home Respite Services
Do you provide a caring role to a loved one? Need a break? I have extensive nursing, disability and aged care experience and am confident in all areas including managing complex situations and behaviours. Available to do day and/or night respite.
- Police check
- First Aid and CPR
- NDIS worker screening check
End of life planning Package
Often this first step is the hardest. I can support you to begin the process, including exploring options and completing documentation; to ensure your end-of-life wishes, preferences and options, before and after your death, are clearly articulated for your decision makers. I offer this service as a member of the Doula Connections team. “We are here to help people to access assistance with end of life planning and support. We understand that this can be a challenging and complex time for many families and our doulas are trained professionals who can support you”
Travel & Accomodation
All services can be offered in the comfort of your home. Travel that occurs outside a 20km radius from my home can incur an additional charge. Overnight away from home will incur accommodation costs.
Support To The Elderly
In home and community support for the elderly to support them to continue to live at home independently. For example: practical support to maintain their independence; community access – continue or introduce participation in activities, transport/support to appointments, recreational, physical, or social activities; education, advice and support re options and choices; personal care; and end of life planning and support.
Dementia Support
Services for the individual experiencing dementia and family/significant others. This includes younger onset dementia. In home support, for example: encourage maintenance of independence; continue/introduce participation in activities; transport/support to appointments, and recreational, physical or social activities; education, advice and support re options and choices; and end of life planning and support. Includes support in relation to behavioural changes and progression of dementia.
End of life care packages
These services are offered in your own home. I offer choices and options to ensure, where possible: a good death (according to the persons wishes), and that no-one dies alone, if that is their wish. This includes end of life information, education and support; to people with a life limiting condition and their family/significant others. Encompasses: immediate response, end of life transition, vigiling, and after death support.
- Member of the Doula Connections team
- Member of the End of Life Doulas and Allies
- Member of NDAN – Natural Death Advocacy
Virtual Services
Where possible and appropriate services can be offered via zoom/phone.
About Me
It is a privilege to support our elders and their family/significant others during these transitions. My name is Lyn Heynen and personal and professional experiences have influenced me to become passionate about quality aged and dementia care, and good end of life experiences. These experiences combined with my acquired knowledge, and personal beliefs about aged and dementia care, death and dying inspired me to work in this field.
I believe it is everyone’s human right to have access to quality care and experience a good death, wherever possible. I offer support to increase people’s understanding of options, choices, and rights.
My Background
When working as an enrolled nurse, I developed an interest and passion for aged care, particularly dementia and end of life care. I supported my father to care for my mother who lived with Alzheimer’s for 12 years. This deepened my interest, and I completed a Diploma of Dementia Care.
My father was also diagnosed with late onset dementia prior to his death. Both of my parents spent significant periods of time living in residential aged care facilities. I was actively involved in their care, advocated on their behalf and was present during the active dying period for them both.
Since 2019 I have worked with individuals in the home who were living with dementia or a disability, or who are at end of life. I find supporting them to have choice and control over their lives and to maintain independence and activities of interest very rewarding.
My Qualifications
My recent qualifications have built on my nursing and other qualifications and experiences, and with my passion and training culminated in the creation of Tranquil Options. I have an interest in natural therapies and have incorporated them into my self-care and work.
• End of Life Doula: Preparing the Way, Helen Callanan
• After Death and Funeral Care: Preparing the Way, Helen Callanan; and Natural Grace, Holistic Funeral Directors
• Diploma of Dementia Care: University of Tasmania
• Reiki 1, and Reiki 2 practitioner: Glenda Smyth, Reiki Master
• Access Bars facilitator: Access Consciousness
• First Aid/CPR: First Aid Pro
OTHER:
• Insurance
• Police check
• NDIS worker screening check
• Working with Children Blue card
