A few weeks back, Brian wrote here about his recent bout with aphasia. It was a living nightmare. And even though it lasted only a day, his ability to speak, to communicate, a part of his very being, was trapped indefinitely in a box. Could you imagine? You see, many people equate diseases like Brian’s Alzheimer’s […]
Your elderly mother rests comfortably in her bed upstairs, while a gathering of family members sit crying in the living room downstairs. A hospice nurse has just made her first home visit and administered some medication to quell a nasty coughing fit. Mom’s terminal illness has progressed greatly in recent weeks, and it’s clear to […]
You stare into the bathroom mirror with your aging mother in the next room calling for breakfast. You don’t like the reflection you see. You’re tired, on edge, and you need to eat, too. You’ve barely had the chance to put in some dry shampoo and brush your hair. You’re feeling caregiver stress … and […]
Dementia is a thief. Just ask my life partner/care partner, Brian, who has Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. It’s an armed robber that steals memories, mostly in reverse chronological order, so what happened weeks, days, hours or even seconds ago can be a complete mystery. Some folks regress to the point they’re “mentally present” in […]
The clear lake water laps gently against the dock where you and your father stand in silence. He gazes across the water toward the setting sun. He appears deep in thought. “A beautiful, golden sunset to kick off my golden years,” he says. You smile. It’s a moment out of a Robert Frost poem. “Nature’s […]
Your dad has struggled these last few months. His health on the decline — quicker than anyone anticipated — has sewn confusion, aggravation and dismay throughout the family. Who has power of attorney? What can they do? What can’t they do? His memory began taking the biggest blows several months back. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, the doctors […]
Death doulas deliver compassionate care at end of life. They’re non-medical professionals known by many names: death coaches, soul midwives, transition guides and end-of-life coaches, among others. Much like birthing doulas ensure care and support to families as babies say hello to the world, death doulas provide holistic care and comfort as elders say goodbye. […]
No one wants to envision their dying moments. No one wants to picture a loved one dying, either. But death is a part of life, and it’s important to have important conversations about hospice before it’s too late. Hospice can deliver comfort and peace of mind. Pre-planning and deciding what you want your dying process […]
We always hope the end is comfortable — for ourselves and our loved ones. But life (and death) sometimes bring circumstances beyond our understanding or control. That’s where hospice comes in. It provides comfort and dignity to a dying person, family and friends. Death can be a painful and uncomfortable process, especially with terminal illnesses […]
Your mother readies for the day one morning. You’ve just enjoyed a delicious breakfast. The comforting smell of maple syrup and pancakes lingers in the air, welcome as a family friend. You’re both excited for a day of, let’s say, perusing yard sales. Your annual spring outing, rooted in tradition and love, is more about […]
