Hospice week in Prenzlau: life, death and theater in focus!

Hospice week in Prenzlau: life, death and theater in focus!

A meeting will take place in Prenzlau on June 19th as part of the Brandenburg Hospice Week, which will offer important insights into the topics of hospice work and grief support. The last aid caravan will be on the town hall forecourt from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Discussions are available here to answer questions about end-of-life care and grief work. Among those present are Annika Hinrich, the future director of the new hospice in Prenzlau, and Markus Kolbe, the hospice and palliative care representative of the Teltow Deaconess House.

A special highlight of the day are the tours to the hospice construction site on Akazienstrasse. These are led by construction manager Nicola Krüper and take place at 2 and 3 p.m. At the information stand in front of the town hall, those interested have the opportunity to find out more about the creation of the new hospice and its importance for the region. The Uckermärkische Hospice Association ensures the physical well-being of the guests during these events.

Hospice work and its importance

Hospice work has a long tradition in Germany that goes back to the 1960s. The movement has become increasingly established since the 1980s and offers comprehensive support to seriously ill people and their relatives. This ranges from medical and emotional care to help with organizational questions and support in the final phases of life. The aim is to allay the fear of artificially extending or shortening life for those affected and to enable them to live a dignified retirement. Hospice care provides a familiar space in which people can live in dignity until the end and their individual needs are respected. The organization is supported by numerous volunteers and full-time specialists and is now widespread.

There are currently around 100 hospice services in Germany that offer outpatient palliative care. According to experts, these services accompany seriously ill adults, children and young people, as well as their families, and ensure that those grieving are not left alone when dealing with the loss of a loved one. In addition to the outpatient services, there are also 282 inpatient hospices, 262 of which are for adults and 20 for children and young adults. These facilities are 95% financed by health insurance companies.

Cultural accompanying events

Another highlight of the day will be the theater performance “The Tabutants” in the cabaret hall of the Prenzlau Dominican monastery. From 6 p.m., those present can look forward to an improvisational theater that deals with the themes of life, death, grief and love. Entry is possible through a donation upon exit, but spaces are limited. Anyone who is interested should register with the Uckermärkischer Hospizverein e.V. in good time. This can be done by telephone on 03984 4821216 or by email.

Hospice work is a valuable element of our society that does not leave people alone in the most difficult situations. It is important that the topics of dying, death and grief are addressed openly in order to give space to the taboo topic and to offer those affected the support they need. The upcoming day in Prenzlau is a wonderful opportunity to increase sensitivity and awareness of these important issues in our community.

For further information on hospice work and palliative care, it is worth taking a look at the website Maltese as well as the Diaconia.