Mom's Dying Alone And It's Unbearable
Zooming is certainly helpful but know as she progresses toward death she will not be able to respond, even to know you. Continue the zooming and talking to her even when...
Something to Think About: a blog on end of life
Assisted Living
Does Our Personality Change As We Approach Death?
First, what is meant by “dying person”? In the months before death most people really don’t believe they are dying. “Other people die, not me. There will be a cure,...
How To Talk About Approaching Death
Our job as an end of life specialist is to address the elephant in the room, to be direct and honest in the gentlest way possible. We are not doing...
Did the AIDS Epidemic Set Us Up To Handle COVID-19?
There are many of the same circumstances with today’s coronavirus as we faced with HIV/AIDS in the early years— lack of medical knowledge, lack of guidance, and fear. I think...
What Comes Next? Dementia at End of Life
Dementia is like a road map with many, many roads that eventually lead into a city. Each road is different, each road is of varying lengths and offers various views...
Do I Want Home Health Services or Hospice?
I know it is scary to think of using hospice. It says death will happen soon, but there is such guidance and support to help that at least ask for...
Developing End of Life Expertise
You have to walk the walk before you can talk the talk. Learn from your patient/family interactions. At the same time read everything you can get your hands on...
Alzheimer's, Cancer and Hospice
Dementia isn’t a terminal illness in that it doesn’t have a limited prognosis. It is like dying from old age, it takes longer. Alzheimer’s, or any form of dementia, is...
Setting Up a Hospice Program
...You really don't need a doctor or nurse at the bedside when someone is dying. You need someone who understands the natural way people die and can educate and guide...
WORKING TOGETHER, Hospice & Nursing Facilities
Hospice has worked with nursing facilities for many years now. Our relationship and interactions with patients and their families is now better understood and better defined. That said, some nursing facilities...
8 Things to Consider Regarding End of Life Pain Management
Often dying looks painful to the people watching. Dying is a struggle to get out of the body. There are sounds that ordinarily would indicate discomfort but, when a person...
7 Things to Consider Regarding End of Life Pain Management
Dying is not painful. Disease causes pain. If pain has not been an issue during the disease process then just because a person is actively dying does not mean they...