Death Deck Video Series: An Invitation to Talk About End-of-Life

It's a hard fact to face, but every one of us is going to die. Yet, despite the inevitability of death, we often avoid talking openly and honestly about end-of-life issues. That's where the Death Deck can help. This video series utilizes the Death Deck to spark conversations online and hopefully inspire viewers to grab a deck of their own and start talking about death. 

Each video offers daily prompts to encourage conversations about death and dying. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Death Deck video series and how it can help families, caregivers, and activities staff start important conversations about end-of-life.

What is the Death Deck

In an unexpected twist of fate, Lisa Pahl and Lori LoCicero met at hospice during the end-of-life care of Lori's husband Joe, who was battling pancreatic cancer. Despite having legal preparations like wills in place, Lori realized the lack of detailed conversations about final wishes, an experience Lisa, as an LCSW, saw families grapple with frequently. 

Their shared journey through grief and understanding the societal aversion to discussing death led them to conceptualize “The Death Deck.” A mix of game and conversation starter, the deck approaches the subject of life and death with humor, providing a safe space for individuals to share thoughts, reminisce, and address important end-of-life considerations, ultimately fostering a greater appreciation of the present moment.

What is the Death Deck Video Series

The Death Deck Video Series is a daily video series in which Gael pulls a card from the Death Deck and reads the prompt aloud. She then answers the prompt and encourages viewers to do the same. The prompts cover a range of topics related to death and end-of-life issues, from addressing fears and worries about mortality to discussing what happens after we die.

The prompts are designed to be thought-provoking, but they're also meant to be a starting point. The series isn't meant to be a comprehensive guide to end-of-life conversations, but instead, it's an invitation to start talking. By answering these prompts, viewers can begin to reflect on their own beliefs, experiences, and wishes when it comes to end-of-life issues.

Benefits of Watching the Death Deck Video Series

One of the benefits of the video series is that it can help start conversations that might otherwise be difficult to initiate. Whether you're a family member, caregiver, or activities staff, talking about death and dying can be uncomfortable. The Death Deck prompts can help create a safe and supportive space for these conversations.

Another advantage of the video series is that it can help normalize conversations about death and dying. We often avoid discussing end-of-life issues because they make us uncomfortable, but by starting to talk about them more openly, we can begin to reduce the stigma and fear that surrounds death.

Ultimately, the series offers an important reminder that we all have a say in our end-of-life care and decisions. By talking about our wishes and preferences, we can ensure that we receive the care we want and that our loved ones are better prepared when the time comes.

Check Out the Video Series Here

Getting the Conversation Started with the Death Deck

End-of-life issues can be difficult to confront, but they're an important part of life that we can't ignore. The Death Deck Video Series offers a valuable resource for families, caregivers, and activities staff to start thinking and talking about these issues. By answering the prompts, we can begin to reflect on our own beliefs, experiences, and wishes when it comes to death and dying. So, let's start the conversation – after all, it's one of the few certainties we have in life.