La Maison Azur, a unique palliative care facility in Valais Romand, Switzerland, will host the “Tell Death” exhibition starting September 19. The exhibition aims to break taboos surrounding death and dying, embracing the philosophy that “Talking about death is talking about life.”

Located in a former convent nestled among vineyards north of Sion, the Azur house welcomes visitors with a lit candle, symbolizing a recent passing. Despite this subtle reminder, the atmosphere is focused on celebrating life to the fullest.

According to director Agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud, the institution’s mission since its opening in July 2022 has been to support individuals facing serious illnesses or nearing the end of their lives. This support includes providing care and fulfilling final wishes.

“Sometimes it is about going out eating a pizza in the restaurant in the old town,” explains the director. “So we answer it. ” It is a question of listening to what matters for the person, here and now. “

Accommodating Requests and Celebrating Life

“Talking about death is talking about life.”

Agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud recounts stories of patients being taken outside to enjoy a final cigarette, with caregivers even assisting by blowing smoke for those unable to do so themselves. The Azur House embraces versatility and strives to meet the individual needs of each patient.

The facility has also facilitated a marriage proposal and continues to celebrate birthdays and holidays, fostering a sense of normalcy and joy. The Azur House prioritizes respect and patient well-being, accepting most requests that align with these values.

One patient, during a conversation with her caregiver Virginie, expressed that “we are someone” at the Azur House, highlighting the personalized care and attention that distinguishes it from a hospital setting.

Thorough and Collaborative Care

Along with specialized medical care, the Azur House offers psychological support, complementary therapies like hypnosis and art therapy, and spiritual or dietary assistance tailored to each patient’s needs.

Agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud emphasizes the importance of the interdisciplinary team, comprising nearly forty individuals, who collaborate to provide holistic care. Support for family members is also an integral part of the institution’s mission.

The Azur House accommodates ten patients in rooms named after local Valais birds, such as Colibri, Bouvreuil, and Alouette. The rooms have been consistently occupied since the facility opened.

In its initial year, the Azur House faced misconceptions, with some believing it to be a luxury extended care facility or a private clinic. However, the institution serves patients of all ages and backgrounds, nonetheless of their social status.

High Demand for Specialized Care

Agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud notes that the demand for specialized palliative care is so high that the Azur House must turn away as many patients as it accepts.

The institution primarily serves residents of the canton and collaborates with the Valais hospital Network, accepting patients stabilized in the palliative care unit in Martigny, which has eight beds.

The Azur House’s ten beds are partially funded by health insurance and primarily by the canton. Agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud highlights that “This particular funding does not exist elsewhere in Switzerland,” emphasizing its significance for a non-hospital facility.

The Hope house, a similar institution in Ried-Brig and Haut-Valais with four beds, also receives financial support from the state of Valais. The ultimate goal is to secure federal funding for these types of facilities.

Rehumanizing Death Through open Dialog

Currently, the Azur House is focused on its core missions, including hosting the “Tell death” exhibition. This project, initiated by the Haute School of Social Work and Health Lausanne (HETSL), is a scientific exploration of death and mourning.

The exhibition, now a traveling installation and podcast, will be on display at the Azur House from September 19 to October 12. According to Agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud, “with us, death is not taboo.We have a role to play in giving him his right place in society.”

“Talking about death, it evokes links, memories and ancestors. We must put the human back in the center, as we do at the Azur house, “sums up agnieszka Grosjean Bagnoud.