Caregiving
June 16, 2015
For many of us, when we find out that a friend or family member is seriously ill, we wonder how we can be supportive. Just thinking about it can send us into a tailspin. Not only because we are sad about their diminished health, but because we often don’t know […]
May 10, 2015
Many of us are quite clear about making sure we have a “last will and testament” or a “living will” letting others know our desires if we are unable to make choices for ourselves when faced with medical decisions. Few of us, though, are just as clear about the footprint […]
March 31, 2015
Lately, I have talked with more than a few people about how they feel when they sit with someone who is dying. Although it is not easy for most of us to talk with someone whose death is near, I believe it is invaluable to interact with a person who […]
March 14, 2015
It is well-recognized that patients with long-term illnesses such as terminal cancer or Alzheimer’s Disease go through phases of inevitable decline. Transition into a new phase requires the medical team to make appropriate adaptations to patient care. Through my work with caregivers serving family members with such serious illnesses, I […]
December 5, 2014
A large focus of my work and mission revolves around helping caregivers understand the value of self care, and to guide them toward positive and helpful ways to take care of themselves. This caring for the caregiver idea is significantly more layered than most of us realize. Taking care of […]
November 13, 2014
October 20, 2014
I been thinking a lot about the best ways to being present when someone is seriously ill. As simple as it may seem, the key is to be present in ways that are most helpful to the person dealing with the health challenge. Everyone is different and what works for […]
October 13, 2014
A dear friend has been sick for many, many years. She recently went through a serious surgery. I mentioned to someone that I was planning a visit. Although I don’t know the person well, he paused and said, “my family and I will lift her up in prayer.” Having never […]