“If I Were A Dog …”
Had she been the family's beloved old Labrador or suffering Boston Terrier, we would have taken her to the vet for a final loving, humane act, a choice unavailable to her family, doctors, or caregivers.
What Does A “Good Death” Really Mean?
Although many individuals shy away from contemplating the inevitability of death, most would agree that they would like to die well. A new review of existing literature, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, asks what makes a “good death” according to those involved in the process.
How To Prepare Yourself For A Good End Of Life
Don't wait until you're at death's door to explore your passions, deepen your relationships and find your posse.
Being Present In The Unpredictable
The most touching moments are those when I get to witness a client’s surrender to the natural course of things … when the control and desperation subside and acceptance fills the void.
Here’s to Hospice – But Not For-Profit Please
If you’re a for-profit business in the hospice business, where is your profit coming from?
Patients Want A ‘Good Death’ At Home, But Hospice Care Can Badly Strain Families (Part 2)
For many families, making hospice work at home means hiring extra help -- out of your own pocket.
Patients Want A ‘Good Death’ At Home, But Hospice Care Can Badly Strain Families
“Imagine if you’re the caregiver, and that you’re in the house. It’s in the middle of the night, 2 o’clock in the morning, and all of a sudden, your family member has a grand mal seizure.”
My Husband Was Dying. I Was Being Ignored.
These stories are not for everyone, but they are topics that the author believes shouldn't remain in the silence.
End-Of-Life Conversations Can Be Hard, But Your Loved Ones Will Thank You
End-of-life conversations can ease suffering for families, not just patients. You can start these conversations simply, like saying, “I need to think about the future. Can you help me?”
The Legacy Of A Life While Contemplating A Good Death
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, when the Carter Center announced that former President Jimmy Carter would be receiving hospice care at home, I was both saddened by what this decision essentially means for the former president, and intrigued by the possibility of having broader discussions about hospice and, more specifically, end-of-life doulas.