Blogs

Written and Submitted by: Curtis Kommer, MD Medical Director, Accord Hospice of Sedona HPNA Member, Fernando Duiz, RN, has reviewed this essay and given permission to publish Fernando is a Hospice nurse. He is a mountain of a man; an ex-football player with a tapestry of tattoos and a black, full beard. He was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so he moves slowly and deliberately, and he cannot completely hide his tremors. In one of his previous lives, as Security Chief at a Native American casino, he learned how to use his big smile to diffuse tensions and soften his imposing appearance, and I often see him use this smile to connect with Hospice ...

https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/queen-dying

Nancy, The Nurse Practitioner asks Adrian Allotey, An End of Life Doula, the questions: What an end of life doula is and where do you find one? https://youtu.be/KPNY3LmSl0w

As an end-of-life doula, nothing is more encouraging and life-affirming to me than providing a safe place for people with a terminal or advanced-stage illness and their family, loved ones, and caregivers to openly share their experiences, reality, and perceptions of life that brought them to this moment both individually and collectively. I pride myself on meeting my clients on their terms–seeing them as whole and building relationships with those they are surrounded by–with no judgement nor expectation. Holding this space decreases the stress and fears that they face knowing that their last breath is imminent. I empower my clients with the acknowledgement ...

Charlie Chaplin once said, ” a day without laughter is a day wasted.” This is true for us all, as laughter can boost our morale, remove us from our stresses, and give us momentary relief during times of darkness and pain. And this is especially true when it comes to end of life care. You see, while the prospect of death is sad, difficult, and sometimes overwhelming, a little bit of light comedy, no matter how ill-fitting it might seem, can do much to lift the spirits of seniors and caregivers alike during this most stressful of times. Of course, there has to be a balancing act. When emotions are running high, sensitivity is needed. There are moments when ...

When loved ones become elderly and approach the end of life stage, it can be difficult for family members to accept. Noticing the decline of someone that you love can be particularly hard, and they may no longer seem like the person that you know so well. Maybe they no longer seem to enjoy the same activities, and perhaps they seem more withdrawn and less willing to engage in conversation. Just as it is hard for family members to accept that a loved elder is nearing the end of their life, it can also weigh heavily on the person. Many of the difficulties experienced by families when caring for an elderly loved one stem from a reluctance to discuss what will ...