In today’s society, we have become numb to the idea of death and dying by inexhaustible media exposure of it in movies, video games, and even the evening news. It’s this constant exposure that has made us feel that death is something that happens “out there”—to other people until losing someone touches us personally. Grief, […]
Finding Meaning as Life Ends
Most of us don’t want to hear bad news, let alone talk about it especially when it comes to our health. However, as the baby boomer generation is aging and making their way toward the end-of-life, there has been an underlying murmur—a buzz—changing the tone of the conversation and views on dying. The fine line […]
When a Part of You Dies With the Death of Another
When someone you love dies, there’s a part of you that dies too—the part of you that is pieced into the memories you both shared. You will always be the son/daughter/father/mother/brother/sister/co-worker but the relationship is forever changed. The memories are still there, but then comes the grief of not being able to relive those memories […]
In the Time Before Goodbye
Arianna doesn’t remember the last real coherent conversation she had with her mother. Her mother suffered from dementia that seemed to rob her of her mental faculties right before Arianna’s eyes, beginning gradually over 2 years and then suddenly declining within months. She didn’t realize what was happening with the sudden receptive questions and sudden […]
Broken Heart Syndrome: Illness After Loss
“She broke my heart”; “achy break heart”; “feeling broken-hearted”. We all know the phrases and maybe have even said them ourselves, but is there really such a thing as dying from a broken heart? Well, yes. What was thought of for years as a myth and an expression bordering on poetic, science has discovered that […]
Anxiety is Another Stage of Grief
After the death of a loved one, the intense amount of emotions that come with grief can heighten many of the fears that run through your mind—that person’s death fears about your own mortality, or worry about losing someone else. Your body and mind are reacting stronger than before you experienced the loss. When we […]
Knowing What to Say to Someone in Hospice: Advice from Experts & Patients
Whether you’re a friend or family member, coworker or acquaintance, it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is terminally ill or in hospice. Here are suggestions from experts and patients on conversations, suggestions, and the basics on how to be with someone who is ill. 1. Don’t be afraid of […]
Why Not Hospice?
For families who have had loved ones enter hospice, there is a packet of the initial information that the agencies have given them. Amongst various paperwork, there will usually be a small blue booklet, called Gone from My Sight. This is a patient and family educational booklet that informs families on the signs of approaching […]
Finding Peace of Mind for Patient’s Pets
Patients in hospice care receive support and help from caregivers such as loved ones and friends, or from professional caregivers, in a care-support facility. But what happens to the pets of those who enter hospice? What happens when their owners die? The strong bond between animal owners and their pets have long been recognized. So […]
Having a Conversation on Death
Ironically, dying can teach us a lot about living. If someone close to you receives a terminal diagnosis, one of the best things we can do for them is offer support. Another essential aspect to this diagnosis is to talk about dying and your loved one’s wishes. The benefits of talking about this sooner rather […]