Our End-of-Life Symbol
A universally recognised symbol that indicates end-of-life care; it appears on many of the resources connected with the end of life.
It’s inspired by ancient Irish history and is not associated with any one religion or denomination. The three stranded white spiral represents the interconnected cycle of life: birth, life and death. The white outer circle represents continuity, infinity and completion. Purple is the background colour as it’s associated with nobility, solemnity and spirituality.
Acute hospitals, residential care centres and nursing homes are now using our end-of-life symbol to indicate that a person is dying or has died. It appears on a number of end-of-life care resources being used in hospitals.
Acrylic End-of-Life desktop symbols are available from:
Cotab Europe
T. (021) 4510488
E. [email protected]
W. https://cotab.ie/
Our End-of-Life keepsake pouch
The keepsake pouch is for the return of small personal items like jewellery, a watch or religious artefacts like prayer beads, medals, etc.
These items are placed in the pouch and the strings securely fastened and given to the family member.
Available from:
NCD Medical Ltd
Dublin
T. (01) 8834299
E. [email protected]
W. www.prestigedirect.ie
Our End-of-Life family handover bag
Our family handover bag has been developed to enhance care after death, in particular the return of the deceased person’s possessions to their family. These items like clothes and personal belongings can have huge sentimental value. Hospital staff are encouraged to handle and record these possessions with care and return them to the family in a dignified and respectful manner.
Available from:
Cotab
Cork
T. (021) 4510488
E. [email protected]
W. www.cotab.ie
The End-of-Life ward locker
A bespoke piece of hand-crafted furniture to support the delivery of spiritual care at the end of life in hospitals. The locker has the end-of-life symbol etched on the top which, along with it’s unique shape, distinguishes it from standard hospital furniture. The locker was designed to house the various religious and spiritual artefacts that may be needed to support people at the end of life.
Available from:
Aaron Nicholson
Coolaney
Co. Sligo
T. (086) 3104881
E. [email protected]
and
Gerry Gaule, Celtic Commemorations
Kilkenny
T. (086) 2577143
E. [email protected]
Our End-of-Life drape
The purple drape is used to place over the trolley which transports the deceased person from the place of death to the mortuary. Using the drape promotes a sense of dignity, respect and ceremony for this important care practice. The drape can also be used in the mortuary for viewing of the deceased person.
Available from:
NCD Medical Ltd
Dublin
T. (01) 8834299
E. [email protected]
W. www.prestigedirect.ie
Our End-of-life candle
The candle has an image of the spiral and the words:
‘Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear’
It is available in 2 sizes: small (10mm x 60mm) and large (150mm x 60mm) supplied in boxes of 20.
Available from:
Duffy & Scott Candlemakers
Tullamore
Co. Offaly
T. (057) 9351089
E. [email protected]
W. www.duffyscott.com
Download End-of-Life Care Resources in a PDF file.
Download our Toolkit for Compassionate End-of-Life Care.
If you would like free printed copies of ant of our resources please call us on 01 6793188 or email [email protected]
