How to Prepare for the Final Step: Words of Wisdom from an Optimistic Death Doula

Ruth McGill talks about death every day. She listens to her clients, all of whom are terminally ill, and helps them to decide where they might like to die – at home, in a hospice, or someplace else. She helps them to have … [Read more...]

Should You Talk About Death During the Holidays?

I saw the following quote on Facebook today, and it really resonated with me. It made me think about my own mortality and about my loved ones, who I will be seeing during the holidays:"None of us are getting out of here alive, … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: End-of-Life Conversation Resources

Dear Angel,I was hoping to talk about end-of-life wishes with my parents over the holidays. Do you know of any resources that would be helpful to guide me in starting the conversation?Thanks for your help!Weir … [Read more...]

Are Faith Leaders Trained to Talk to About End-of-Life Topics?

My wife and I are over 65, and are both ready to discuss the topic of death and end-of-life planning. We spoke about it amongst ourselves, but need some guidance. We are religious, and would like our religious leader’s advice in … [Read more...]

Plan Your Lifespan: A No-Cost Tool for Planning in Advance

Phyllis Mitzen, a 72-year-old semi-retired social worker, has worked with seniors for many years and understands the value of planning for future healthcare needs. Yet, she herself has put off the task. Phyllis’s husband is … [Read more...]

Overcoming the Fear of Death

Q. My mother always said that there are two topics to avoid in conversation, whenever possible: religion and politics. Unlike some of my Facebook friends and others I have known, I took this advice to heart and don’t have many … [Read more...]

Advance Directives Mean Less Costly Care

Q. My aunt died ten years ago without an advance directive. I will never forget the fight between her husband and the rest of the family about life saving measures before she died. He insisted that she would have wanted them, when … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Why Take Advantage of End-of-life Care Talks?

Dear Baxter, I just read that Medicare will fund end-of-life planning discussions with doctors, as of Jan. 1, 2016. Why is this important? My doctor already does this for free. And why should seniors take advantage of these … [Read more...]

A “Guardian Angel” When One is Needed Most

Marjorie never felt alone at her nursing home. Although her husband died last year, and her children couldn’t be there a lot of the time to visit her, she seemed content. Her ability to speak clearly and her memory were … [Read more...]

Joan Rivers Death Reminds us to Have End-of-Life Conversation

Q. I am very close with my in-laws, who are both in their late 70’s, and all I want for them (and for everyone I care about) is to live a long happy life.  Unfortunately, the inevitable happens to us all, and when it does happen, … [Read more...]

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