Forcing Fluids At End Of Life
As death comes closer we tend to see that families have a hard time with the fact that the patient does NOT want to eat or drink. Not wanting to...
Something to Think About: a blog on end of life
Dynamics of Dying
Don't Go Where You're Not Invited
Over the years people have told me stories of a friend or neighbor who was dealing with end of life issues. They then have asked that I call that person...
When Doctors Can't Fix My Ailing Body, I Want to Close My Eyes And...
We have all sorts of fears around dying and death so we keep thoughts of end of life at bay. We are like ostriches who bury their heads in the...
The Amazing Grace of Mary Nell
Mary Nell’s son in law, Ted, sent me this writing. It is so poignant I asked him if I could share it with my blog readers. It is longer than...
Dying Soon After A Spouse
I know “dying of a broken heart” is used frequently when death comes as a result of a tragic life event. I’m not sure that is actually why the person...
Caring for One of Our Own
My husband tells the story of me asking our hospice nurse how long she thought my mother had to live (a question all families ask). My husband knew that I...
Making Decisions
QUESTION: If a family member suffers a stroke what is the right decision about whether to use a feeding tube? I think it depends on what a person’s mind and...
Letting Go...
QUESTION: What to do if the Doctor suggests stopping life support? RESPONSE: No one wants to be in the position of determining when a person dies, not doctors, not family....
Three Keys- To The Dying Process
We can die gradually two ways. We just get old and our body wears out or we get a life threatening illness, disease, and die gradually that way....
Alzheimer's, Dementia Patients and Hospice
QUESTION: Please speak to Hospice Approval Denied due to only major diagnosis code being Alzheimer's and not considered to be in final stage. But person not eating, ~70 lbs now,...
Is a Peaceful Unmedicated Death Possible?
QUESTION: I am a 30 year old woman working as a psychology intern at a local hospital. My engagement in the hospice program has me thinking a lot about my...
Oxygen, Morphine and Air Hunger
QUESTION: What do you think of use of oxygen at the end of life? – Does it hasten or prolong death? I consider use of oxygen at end of life...