Dying Without Faith?
We die the way we have lived and there are few death bed conversions. Facing the end of our life does make us look at life and its meanings, but...
Something to Think About: a blog on end of life
Dynamics of Dying
What to Ask When Looking for a Quality Hospice
Because we don’t really think about end of life care until we or someone close to us needs it we enter into relationships with hospice that may not be satisfactory...
Have We Lost the Essence of Hospice?
...The end of life avocation that hospice originally presented is becoming a gift of the past. Now it is a business with high censuses, detailed and often confusing regulations, and...
Hospice- The Initial Visit
Dear Barbara, I recently had a meeting with a family that was referred to hospice from a facility. They had about 10 family members at the meeting. The topic of...
Caring for Mom at Home
Barbara, I am caring for my Mother in our home. She is in denial over her situation. She is bed bound but insists she is going to walk again and...
Be The Voice
QUESTION to Barbara: I need some help. As of yesterday afternoon I am officially fed up. I have been an RN case manager for seven years. The whole “industry” is...
When To Use The Books
Barbara, People have asked me when and how I can offer others your booklets. With anyone, an acquaintance or close friend, you can always just say, “I have some materials...
Signs of Approaching Death with Dementia
The process of a gradual death from disease takes two to four months (old age with no disease takes longer). Three things are the sign posts that say the dying...
The Highs and Lows of COPD
Barbara, my husband is dying with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and its complications. At this time I believe we are pretty early in the process. My question is how...
Unstoppable Terminal Delirium In The Dying
In non medical words I would call terminal delirium confusion with or without restlessness. In the weeks before death a person who has entered the dying process is sleeping most...
Dying Awareness
Question: How much is comprehended by the patient as they approach end of life? Do they know who is present, if someone is absent? How does the patient feel knowing...
The Final Hours Before Death
When someone is dying a gradual death from disease and is hours tominutes from death they don't need a doctor, nurse, social worker, or evena chaplain. They need someone who...